1939 - 2026
James A. “Jim” Bowman, 86, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Via Christi St. Teresa in Wichita.
Born November 27, 1939, in Atlanta, Kansas, he was the son of Ray and Dollie (Broce) Bowman. He was raised and received his education in Atlanta, graduating from Atlanta High School in 1958. After high school, he worked for Frank Ray’s farm.
Jim married Sharon R. Phillips on August 9, 1958. To this union, two children were born. The couple later divorced.
He was united in marriage to Marilyn Jane (Plush) Pappan on September 29, 1977. The couple made their home in Winfield. Jim worked as a welder and machinist most of his life, beginning at Cessna and later General Electric. In the 1980s, he started J&M Machine Shop, a business he would run the rest of his life. Marilyn preceded him in death on October 17, 2014.
He was a member of Hackney Baptist Church, the Masonic Lodge #110, and the K&O Steam & Gas Engine Association. Jim had many hobbies including traveling, hunting, blacksmithing, and going to his kids’, grandkids’, and great grandkids’ sporting events. He enjoyed the farm and loved to build things. He built a dragster, mini bikes, go-karts, a gyrocopter, mini tractors, knives, and was in the process of building his own airplane. He also enjoyed carving birds, as well as painting and drawing wildlife. More than anything, Jim loved to visit with people.
His family includes his children, Reneé and Mike Vargas of Winfield; Michael and Cathy Bowman of Winfield; Wes Pappan of Kaw City, OK; his sister Shirley Booe and husband, Jimmie of Winfield; his grandchildren, Nick (Shannon) Vargas, Joe (Aubree) Vargas, Derek (Nicole) Bowman, Caitlin (Michael) Overbey, Dylan Bowman, Katy (Andy) Marshall, J.C. (Rylie) Pappan; his great grandchildren, Damon, Rylee, Ayven, Ashur, and Jordee Vargas, Jensen, Caleb, and Ethan Bowman, Idabelle Marshall, Lyrik Pappan; and numerous nephews and nieces.
In addition to his parents and wife, Jim was preceded in death by a sister Phyllis Roth and a brother John Bowman.
A visitation is scheduled at Miles Funeral Service on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 4 to 8 PM. The family will greet visitors from 4 to 6 that evening. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Hackney Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Wilmot Cemetery.
A memorial has been established in Jim’s name for the K&O Steam & Gas Engine Association. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.
