James Elton Bowlin, age 73, of Conroe, Texas passed away on Sunday afternoon, November 19, 2023. James was born in San Antonio, Texas to Ruth Ferguson Bowlin and James Elton Bowlin. Jim was united in marriage to Darlene Parker on May 18, 1990. They were blessed with their daughter, Jamie Lynn, to join their family of five children. Shortly after their marriage, Jim decided to legally adopted Ashley Eilene, as one of his children, blessing Jim and Darlene with a blended family six children.
James loved his family and nothing made him happier than spending time with them. When he wasn’t with family, James made his career as a welder. He was highly respected by fellow co-workers for his information and talent in welding. When he wasn’t working, James was an avid hunter and a fan of the Houston Astros. He also had a love for all animals. He was also known for his BBQ and chili, and his love of lemon meringue or pecan pie which he always requested for his birthday. He could also be found on the open road on his motorcycle.
James is survived by his wife, Darlene, of 33-1/2 years, and children, son, Brian Elton Bowlin and wife Christine, his daughter, Brandi Myers and husband Chris, his daughter Ashley Shaw and husband, Robert, daughter, Lisa Bowlin and Laura Ruth Bowlin, and daughter, Jamie Bowlin and partner, Justin Gaines. He is also survived by his sisters, Susan Hamel and husband, Elmer, and Dianne Hawkins and husband, Cleatis, sister-in-law, Marlinda Merryman and husband, Robert, and niece, Brittany Matlock , as well as a host of other nieces, nephews, and cousins which are too numerous to mention. He was also loved and survived by his grandchildren, Emily Bowlin Smith and husband, Treyvon, Hailey Bowlin, Abigail Bowlin, Katherine Bowlin, Michael Bowlin, Mason Bowlin, Olivia Velasquez, Valen Rone, Lilly Shaw, Kylie Shaw, Carson Myers, John Shaw, Caylin Myers, Serenity Martinez and Ziva Martinez.
In addition to his sisters, children and grandchildren, Jim is survived by his half-brother, John Bowlin, and half-sisters, Jennifer Bowlin Mengis and Leslie Bowlin Bennett.
James was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Ferguson Bowlin LaFleur, and his father, Maurice LaFleur, and his nephew, Eric Cummings.
A visitation for James will be held Monday, November 27, 2023 from 5:00-8:00 PM at Forest Park-Lawndale, 6900 Lawndale, Houston, Texas 77023. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 from 12:00 – 1:00 pm at The Chapel of Angels, Forest Park-Lawndale. The graveside internment will occur directly following the service across from the Chapel. There will be a luncheon provided back at the Chapel of Angels after the internment.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestParkLawndalsFH.com for the Bowlin Family.
In lieu of flowers or potted plants, please feel free to donate to the American Cancer Society or a foundation or cause of your choice in Memory of James Elton Bowlin.
