James "Jim" Boyd Bowie

James Boyd “Jim” Bowie, 98, of Greenbrier, passed from this life on Saturday July 6, 2019 at NHC Healthcare in Springfield. There will be a time of visitation with the family on Monday July 8th from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Robertson County Funeral Home. A private family memorial service will be held in the Mt. Sharon Cemetery, at a later date.

Son, brother, friend, military man, husband, father, grandfather. These all describe a man whose life was well lived. But, if you enhance those words with love, WWII Air Force, baseball, horses, canasta, dancing, cookouts, his farm and his God – then you have a Grand Life!

The third of three boys, James Boyd was born June 24, 1921 in Robertson County where he was then raised. He was the son of the late John Willie Bowie, who was a builder of roads and highways, and the late Jessie Lee Clinard Bowie, who was a teacher, midwife, and gardener. James Boyd joined the Air Force in 1942. During WWII he was stationed in South America, India, Italy, and Africa as a transport pilot flying troops and supplies across the China, Burma, India (CBI) route, also known as The Hump or The Aluminum Highway. After four years of active service he joined the Reserves and the Tennessee National Guard. He retired from his military life in 1971 as a Major.

In 1948, James Boyd married Mary Rose Vincent, and while living in Nashville they raised three daughters, enjoyed entertaining family and friends, worshipped at Woodbine Cumberland Presbyterian Church and traveled. His father and grandfather supervised the road crews that built roads in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama. Following in their footsteps, James was involved in building roads through his work at Thompson and Green Caterpillar Company.

After his retirement in 1982 from Caterpillar, he and Rose moved to his family farm in Robertson County. They worshipped at Mt. Sharon Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where James served on the cemetery committee for many years. After Rose’s death in 2006, James Boyd continued to enjoy the farm life they loved so much. He farmed until the age of 94 when he decided he needed a “little” help. He then moved to Morningside Assisted Living where he thrived on good food, exercise, new friendships and tending their rosebushes. James Boyd will be greatly missed.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Mary Rose Vincent Bowie, his brothers: Robin Earl and Lucian Leroy Bowie. James Boyd is survived by his daughters: Linda (Glen) Dorris of Greenbrier, Patricia Bowie of Greenbrier, and Celia (Jeff) Lawrence of Pegram, by his grandchildren: James, Adam, and Elizabeth Lawrence, and by his nephews: Ron and Gerald Bowie.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to all the ladies at Morningside who helped James Boyd enjoy the daily routines of assisted living. He spent his last days being tenderly cared for by the nurses and aides at NHC and by Dr. Teresa Williams.

If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Mt. Sharon Cumberland Presbyterian Church for use of the church cemetery upkeep or to a charity of your choice.

Robertson County Funeral Home in charge of arrangements

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