Jimmie Bowie

Jimmie was born to Ula Mae Brooks-Bowie and Jim Bowie, Sr. on January 1, 1933, in Big Sandy Texas.  He was the second oldest of seven children born to this union.

Jimmie married his childhood sweetheart, Barbara Hall, April 22, 1953.  They were wed for 53 years and were the parents of Cheryl, Anthony, and Darryl Bowie.  He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara, daughter Cheryl Lorraine Bowie-Spence, son Darryl Dwayne Bowie, mother and father Ula Mae and Jim Bowie, and three (3) brothers.

Jimmie is survived by his son Anthony Bowie; grandchildren Andre Carroll, Jessica Spence, Christopher Spence, Geri Bowie-Brunson (Franchars), Briana King (Darrell); 10 great-grandchildren. Two sisters, Gladys Jane Bowie-Young, Joyce Ann Bowie Guillory; one brother Bobby Gene Bowie and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jimmie was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a friend to many, a mentor and a teacher. God was first in his life followed by his wife, family, and church. Jimmie’s walk with the Lord began when he united with St. James Missionary Baptist Church (Gladewater, Texas) at age fifteen.  Always a student he graduated high school at age 16 and went on to pursue his two Bachelors of Arts degrees in Instrumental Music, and Chemistry, a Masters of Arts in Instrumental Music, and a Masters of Education in Educational Administration. Upon completion of high school, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and was separated from his beloved Barbara just 6 days after they married.  They remained separated for two years while he completed his service.

After completion of his service Jimmie was invited to teach at Freeman High School (Caldwell, Texas) where he was both the band director and a teacher.  After eleven years in Caldwell, Jimmie moved his family to Austin, Texas after being hired to teach math at Gary Job Corp (San Marcos, Texas).  Jimmie stayed at Job Corp, where he held various positions including Interim Director for Education and Training Division, until he retired after 31 years in 1997. Upon arriving in Austin, he and his family became members at First Baptist Church and it was here that he was first called to be a deacon.  Jimmie and his family united with David Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in 1970 where he served as a choir member, Sunday School teacher, Assistant Director Sunday School, Sunday School Director, teacher/facilitator of various bible study courses, Stephen Leader in the Stephen’s Ministry, and the Chairman of the Deacons Ministry.