James Richard Bowles

James Richard Bowles

     HITCHCOCK - Mr. James (Rick) Richard Bowles passed from this life Thursday morning, August 8, 2019, in Houston.

    James was born on December 17, 1946 in Terrell, Texas to James and Amy (Rice) Bowles. From an early age, James knew the importance of education which is why he earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1969 and his Master of Education Degree from the University of Houston in 1983. He married his wife, Susan Wehmeyer, in 1971 and together they raised their 4 boys. In addition to his own children, James taught and mentored many children throughout his career as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and principal. He had the privilege of serving children in the following districts over his career: Ganado ISD, Terrell ISD, Calhoun ISD, Bay City ISD, Pettus ISD, Mathis ISD, Pawnee ISD, Hitchcock ISD and Damon ISD. Some highlights of his career included taking the girls Pawnee HS volleyball team to the state finals and serving as principal for Bay City High School. He found his joy in watching his kids achieve their goals. James also shared his love of sports, especially University of Texas Football and Dallas Cowboys with his wife and together they competed in many tennis tournaments. He had a passion for photography, writing poetry, reader, was an avid Pokémon Go player and enjoyed spending time at the gun range but nothing pleased him more than being a grandfather. James was blessed with a generous life saving donation from a family who had lost a loved one. His new heart gave him 10 extra years to spend with his beloved family. A gift for which they are all eternally grateful. James touched the lives of so many by imparting knowledge and guidance to those who needed it. He left this world and all the lives he touched a little better for having known him.

    He was preceded in death by his parents, James Mounger Bowles, Amy Margarete (Rice) Lucas and his sister, Mamie Frank.

    Survivors include his loving wife of 48 years, Susan Bowles; children, Richard Bowles and wife, Temeki of League City, Randy Bowles of Houston, Matthew Bowles and wife, Patty of Angleton, Marcus Bowles and wife, Katie of Pearland; grandchildren, Lexi, Lauralai, Ayden, Jasper, Jace, and T.J.; nephews, Rick Frank and his wife, Deanna and their daughter, Hillary all of Katy, Carl Frank of Traskwood, AR.

    Memorial services will be on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at Salem Lutheran Church in Port Lavaca, Texas at 11:00 a.m.

    Memorials in the form of donations can be made in James’ name to Baylor College of Medicine and (Heart Transplant), c/o Office of Institutional Advancement, MSC #800, P.O. Box 4976, Houston, TX 77210. Secure online gifts may be made by credit card at www.bcm.edu/giving.

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