James R. "Jim" Bowles

Lisbon- James R. “Jim” Bowles, 85, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at the Briarfield at Ashley Circle in Austintown.

Jim was born October 16, 1939 in East Palestine, a son of the late Robert E. and Mary I. (Dotson) Bowles and had lived all of his life in the area.

A 1958 graduate of East Palestine High School, Jim worked as a welder at E. W. Bliss for more than 20 years and was also a bus driver for Robert Bycroft School for over 17 years, retiring in 2002. Jim was also a farmer and raised Hereford beef cattle.

He was a member of the Centenary Methodist Church in East Palestine; member of the Lisbon, Pomona, Ohio State and National Granges; member of the New Lisbon Lodge #65 Free and Accepted Masons; 32nd degree Mason-Valley of Steubenville; was greatly involved with the Classes of 1958 of both East Palestine High School and Lisbon David Anderson High School; and was an avid woodworker, having won multiple blue ribbons and Best of Show awards at both the Canfield Fair and the Columbiana County Fair.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Ina (Duke) Bowles, whom he married May 21, 1961; daughters, Jami (Dave Jackson) Bates of Lisbon and Gayle Blangero of Poland; son, Russell “Rusty” (Belinda) Bowles of Salem; sister, Nancy (the late Raymond) Warner of East Palestine; grandchildren, Roy Bates, Aaron (Dana) Bowles, Brandon Bowles, and Juliana (Nick) Sabrin; great grandson, Christopher, and soon to be great granddaughter, Harper Jae Sabrin.

Funeral services will be held at 11am, Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at the Eells-Leggett-Stauffer Funeral Home with Rev. Randy Crihfield officiating.  Burial will follow at Crest Haven Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive guests from 6pm to 8pm, Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to Feed My Sheep, in care of Teri MacAleese, 1229 Columbiana-Lisbon Rd. Lot 85, Columbiana, Ohio 44408.

Friends may also view Jim’s memorial tribute page, share a memory, and leave condolences at www.eells-leggett-stauffer.com

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