James "Jim" Richard Bowers

James R. Bowers (Jim) beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, friend, retired educator, and leader passed on March 16th, 2023 to reside in his heavenly home. His hobbies included fixing all things, exploring the outdoors, watching football, basketball, and baseball, as well as spending time with family and friends. 

Jim was born and raised on a cotton farm in the Taylor community of Lafayette county near Oxford, MS. A graduate of Taylor High School, and Northwest Junior College, he went on to pursue a degree from both the University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University, receiving his BS in Education, and his Masters of Education in Vocational Education, with an emphasis on Marketing Education. He also completed post graduate work at Mississippi College.  He taught school and coached basketball and baseball in Desoto County, Lafayette County, and Laurel, MS. 

In 1971, Jim organized and served as advisor of the first collegiate DECA chapter in MS. From March 1,1972 to October 31,1994 he worked in the state dept of education office of vocational and tech education where he served as Supervisor of Marketing Education - secondary and post secondary programs. Jim also served as state advisor of the high school division of DECA and the collegiate division of DECA until he retired in 1994. Under his direction, the state of MS had numerous competitive event winners and national DECA officers elected. Jim also served on the National DECA Board of Directors from 1984 - 1987. 

He was the first Mississippian to ever receive the coveted award from the National DECA organization of Honorary Lifetime Membership.  Jim led the formation of the Jim Bowers MS DECA Foundation starting in 1999 to help ensure the financial stability of the MS DECA Association and to provide travel assistance to student members participating in National Competitions. Over the years he planned and coordinated dozens of district, state, and regional conferences for MS DECA.  One of his favorite quotes was. “I love it when a plan comes together”. Jim also held lifetime membership in MS DECA Alumni Association.  

From November 1, 1994 to July 31, 2007 Jim served as Executive Secretary of the MS FFA Foundation and director of the MS FFA Leadership Conference Center and Camp at Raymond. He enjoyed collaborating with members and advisors and held them in high esteem.

Although Jim had Parkinson’s for many years he, along with his loving wife Joyce, both lived life to the fullest.  Jim continued to be a part of DECA long after retiring.  One of his greatest passions was to continue to support the students and teachers of MS DECA for as long as he could. When asked about marriage, he would lovingly and playfully proclaim, “The third time's a charm!”, referring to marrying Joyce, the love of his life. Jim often spoke of his family and lifelong friends with a twinkle in his eye, especially his children and grandchildren, whom he loved unconditionally.

He is preceded in death by his father, Lewis Powell Bowers; mother, Edna Dickinson Bowers; brother and sister-in-law, Jerry Ashley Bowers and Marilyn Bowers Coleman of Santa Maria, California; and brother-in-law, Paul Hoffman. 

He is survived by his adoring wife, Peggy Joyce Bowers of Byram; his sister, Marilyn Bowers Hoffman of Oxford. His daughter Angela Bowers Jett of Nashville, his son Kenneth Wesley Bowers (Jessica) of Corinth, and Goddaughter, Tara Blumenthal (David) of Jackson. He’s also survived by his grandchildren: Caroline and Cooper Jett; Brian, Brandon, Bradley, and Jay Bowers, and Jack Blumenthal; Brother-in-law, Randy Colemen, and nephews Jeff Bowers (Tiffany and Ashton) and Lewis Bowers (Mariah, Noah, Preston, and Madison).

The family will receive friends for visitation on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. until the 1:00 p.m. hour of service at Chancellor Funeral Home in Byram, MS. There will be a graveside service held for close friends and family at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 in Oxford, MS at the Oxford Memorial Cemetery.

Donations can be made to the follow organizations: 

Jim Bowers Mississippi DECA Foundation 

106 Oakdale Street 

Florence, MS 39073

Alta Woods United Methodist Church

109 Alta Woods Blvd 

Jackson, MS 39042