BARGERSVILLE
Captain James “Jim” Leo Bowman, 69, passed away peacefully on September 30th, 2024, in Franklin, Indiana, surrounded by his family. Born in Anderson, Indiana, Jim graduated from Ben Davis High School in 1973 and earned a degree in Aviation Administration from Indiana State University in 1977.
In 1977, he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Known lovingly by his Navy callsign “Bobo,” Jim served five years as an A-6 pilot aboard the USS John F. Kennedy, accumulating over 250 carrier landings. He continued his service in the Navy Reserve for another 13 years, retiring as a Commander with 20 years of service.
After his active duty, Jim held positions with New York Air and Eastern Airlines before embarking on a 33-year career with FedEx in Memphis, TN. While at FedEx, he flew the 727, DC-10, MD-11, and retired as a Captain on the Boeing 777. Jim also led a team in opening a national FedEx hub in Indianapolis, served as Duty Officer in Global Operations, Assistant Chief Pilot, Vice President of Flight Operations, and later Senior Vice President of Flight Operations. During his time at FedEx, he managed nearly 5,000 pilots and 600 staff, overseeing 340 aircraft operating in and out of 374 airports worldwide. He also directed pilot flight schedules, training, meteorology, FAA compliance, and flight planning. Jim retired in 2019 as the company’s Senior Vice President for Flight Operations.
In 1976, Jim met Shana Bingham at Indiana State University, where they began a lifelong adventure together. The couple married a few years later, beginning a loving partnership that spanned 46 years. Jim and Shana went on to have three children and eight grandchildren. Together, they owned a few small general aviation airplanes and enjoyed flying whenever their busy schedules allowed.
Though a highly recognized and respected leader professionally, Jim’s proudest accomplishment was becoming a father and grandfather. He was happiest when his family gathered for the Indy 500, tailgating at IU football games, family vacations at the beach, or camping trips. Family gatherings were incredibly important to him, and he always made sure that friends and visitors were warmly welcomed, turning every event into a joyous and inclusive celebration. An eternal optimist, this trait shone through in everything from the way he played Euchre to his unwavering belief that IU football could be turned around. He could often be spotted wearing his lucky IU sweatshirt with shorts, even through the bleakest of Indiana winters.
Jim was a deeply generous person who went to great lengths to help others, always welcoming and hospitable to all. He genuinely gave others the benefit of the doubt and lived a life of service. He loved hosting parties at their home and taking friends and family out for meals.
Jim was predeceased by his mother, Barbara (Schurdell) Bowman, and his father, Leo Bowman. He is survived by his wife, Shana; his children, Sarah (Ken) Ackermann, Laura (Joel) Pontius, and Andrew (Kimberly) Bowman; his eight grandchildren; his sister, Linda (Doug) Hamilton; his brother, Andy Bowman; and cousins, Libby (Bob) Converse and Gay (Russ) Duvall.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 4th, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Calvary Lutheran Church in Greenwood, located at 6111 Shelby St, Indianapolis, IN 46227. An additional brief visitation will take place on Saturday, October 5th, 2024, at 10:00 am, immediately followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am, also at Calvary Lutheran Church.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to “The Jim and Shana Bowman Aviation Endowed Scholarship” at Indiana State University (www.GiveToIndianaState.org) or the Center for American Values (www.AmericanValuesCenter.org).
