James Franklin "Jim" Bowers, age 68, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away at 8:14 A.M. on Friday, March 3, 2017, at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital in Centralia, Illinois.  He was born on April 20, 1948 in St. Elmo, Illinois, the son of John F. and Edith E. (Fair) Bowers.  He married Dana Lynn Deaton on July 15, 2004 in St. Louis, Missouri and she survives him in Centralia, Illinois.

In addition to his wife of 12 years, Mr. Bowers is survived by his six sons, Chad Bowers and wife Amanda of Vandalia, Illinois, Brad Bowers and wife Kelly of Vandalia, Illinois, Jamie Bowers and wife Ashley of Fort Myers, Florida, Peter Bowers of Florida, Nicholas Bowers of Florida and Nathan Jones and wife Suzie of Texico, Illinois, daughter, Mariah Kolessar and husband Mike of Dallas, Texas, three grandsons, Lucas Bowers, Sam Bowers and Micah Jones, three granddaughters, Sophie Bowers, Ava Bowers and Hallie Jones, sisters, Susie Forbes and husband Marvin of St. Elmo, Illinois, Edie Dial and husband Gary of St. Elmo, Illinois, Paula Rose and husband Terry of Altamont, Illinois, Nancy Kistler and husband Paul of St. Elmo, Illinois, Vera Dean-Pease of Centralia, Illinois, Mabis Duckworth of Benton, Illinois, Alice Woolard and husband Jim of Nokomis, Illinois and Hunter McMillan of Indiana and many nieces, nephews and friends, especially David Powenski and wife Sheryl of Irvington, Illinois, Bill Crain and Jerry Beguelin, both of Centralia, Illinois.

Mr. Bowers was preceded in death by his parents, brother, John Bowers and sisters, Deb Bowers and Vella Jean.

Mr. Bowers was of the Catholic Faith.  He is a U.S. Marine who served his country for three tours as a sniper during the Vietnam War.  He was a member of the Vandalia V.F.W. Post 3862 and Vandalia American Legion Post 95, where he was very active in helping other veterans.  He was also a member of the Vandalia Lions Club.  He enjoyed woodworking, hunting and fishing.  He cherished the time he spent with his family, especially his loving wife and two fur buddies, Clarabelle and Cincinnatus.

Mr. Bowers was a registered nurse for 25 years.  He worked many of those years with Dr. Jerry Beguelin and other years at independent medical facilities.  He graduated from Kaskaskia College in 1972 with an associate degree in nursing.  He lived in Centralia, Illinois for 15 years and previously lived in Vandalia, Illinois.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, March 8, 2007, at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois with Pastor Perry Schefelker officiating.  Military Honors accorded by the Centralia American Legion Post 446 and V.F.W. Post 2055.  A Memorial Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at the funeral home.  Please view the online obituary, send condolences or share memories with Mr. Bowers' family at www.moranfuneralhome.net or on the funeral home's Facebook page.