Jack was born October 8, 1922, the son of Harvey and Nellie (Bainbridge) Bowman.  Jack went to country school until eighth grade at which time he attended Union High School graduating in 1940.  On September 27, 1942, he and Helen McCain were united in marriage at the Lutheran parsonage east of Hinton, IA by Rev. Stohmer.  They lived with Jack’s folks 4 years helping Jack’s father with the farming.  At the age of twelve Jack was allowed to miss school during planting season because his father, Harvey had limited eyesight.  This was a special time that always brought special memories to Jack.  When Jack’s folks moved to town, Jack and Helen moved back to the Gates farm and lived there for 29 years.  Following their retirement in 1988 they moved to Kingsley where they resided during their retirement. He enjoyed playing cards throughout his life and would play cards daily at the Masonic Hall after moving to town.  Jack was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church. 

 Survivors include three daughters, Carol Ann Bowman of Machias, Maine, Brenda (Mike) Walker of Oceanside, CA, and Kim (Doug) Roeber of Emerson, NE, son, Larry (Cindy) Bowman, Kingsley, several grandchildren and great grandchildren, a sister, Joyce Thomson, Kingsley and a sister-in-law, Alice Wingert, Sioux City.

     Jack was preceded in death by parents and his wife, Helen, three sisters and spouses, Edna and Russell Carlson, Betty and Vance Spink, Lois and Jerry Powell, brother-in-law, Max Thomson.