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Jim Bowermaster
Jim was born December 21, 1929 (the shortest day of the year, but the longest night!) to James Elden and Cleo Marie Pence Bowermaster in Fairfield, Iowa. Jim loved his hometown and until recently had stayed in close contact with several early childhood friends. He was a national rudimental champion drummer in high school and served his country by playing snare drum in the Iowa National Guard's 34th Division Band. He earned a "Good Conduct" medal while in the service. In 1971, Jim was commissioned a "Rear Admiral" in the Iowa Navy, thus beginning his days sailing the Iowa seas (Okoboji). He was known to have displayed pirate tendencies from time to time. Jim put himself through college playing on the road with territory big bands. He graduated from Fairfield High School, attended Parsons College for two years before transferring to the University of Iowa, earning a B.A. degree in Journalism. He was a lifelong Hawk fan and loyal member of the I-Club. He enjoyed a long and rewarding career in advertising and promotion that began at WMT Radio and Television in Cedar Rapids. It was in Cedar Rapids that he met and married the love of his life, Dorothea "Dottie" Gebhardt of McGregor, Iowa. They were married on July 17, 1954. Dottie passed away in 1988 and Jim died three days after what would have been their 51st wedding anniversary. The Bowermaster family moved to West Des Moines in 1963, where Jim continued his advertising career, first with Carter Reynolds Advertising, then with Wesley Day Advertising where he handled many prominent accounts including McDonald's restaurants for the Midwest region. Jim's creative genius developed advertising campaigns for many clients and he developed such familiar slogans as "You Get More for Your Money at Midland Financial," "Boesen the Florist: The Best Bloomin' Flowers in Town," and the familiar jingle for Capital City Cab: 28-28-111. His hard work earned him countless local and national awards from his peers in professional industry organizations. Jim retired as Vice President of Marketing from Midland Financial Savings and Loan, where a he created the annual "Drake Most Beautiful Bulldog Contest" which is still held each year as the official kickoff to Drake Relays week. All his life he has "paid his civic rent" through volunteer activities, and was most proud of his work as head of the Smoother Sailing Des Moines Public Schools counseling program; and serving as a volunteer reader for IRIS radio network for the blind where many of his listeners appreciated his interpretation while reading "People in the News". He was a proud member of the West Des Moines Kiwanis club and had served as President. For more than 10 years, Jim was known as "The Jazz Man" to central Iowa radio listeners as the host of KRNT Radio's "The Jazz Man Show". Traditional, Dixieland and big band jazz has always been a passion for Jim. In 1964, he helped found and became leader of the West Des Moines Kiwanis Dixieland Band (later known as The West Des Moines Dixieland Band) This internationally known entertainment phenomenon recorded two sold out record albums in the 1970s and played for governors, presidents, and dignitaries locally, nationally, and internationally on several Friendship Force tours. Many thousands of people were entertained each Wednesday night at the old Holiday Inn South. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; by his beloved wife, Dottie who passed away in 1988. He is survived by his brother, Jon Pence Bowermaster (Liz) of Urbana, Illinois; his daughter, Karen Marie Likens (Jim) of Marion, Iowa; son, James Mark Bowermaster (Mary) of West Des Moines; son, Kurt William Bowermaster (Kathy) of Des Moines. He was proud of his grandchildren, Jason, John and Stephanie Likens, Cole, Dane and Meaghan Bowermaster, and Kelley Bowermaster. Jim had a love for life, advertising and promotions; and a passion for music, which was shared by many. We love you Dad and will miss you. Give Mom a big hug for each of us. The Bowermaster family asks that memorial gifts be sent to the Hospice of Central Iowa Kavanagh House on 56th Street in Des Moines. If ordering flowers, please call any Boesen the Florist location. |
Jim Bowermaster, 75, of West Des Moines, died Wednesday, July 20 at the Hospice of Central Iowa Kavanagh House on 56th Street in Des Moines of cancer. He was surrounded by family and loved by many. Funeral services will be held Monday, July 25 at 11:30 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 3010 52nd Street in Des Moines, followed by a celebration of Jim's life in music and words at the church.