BENTON – James Winfield Bowman of Benton died at home Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022, following a recent hospitalization. He was born Jan. 5, 1943 and, after a stay at the Maine’s Children’s home in Waterville, was raised by his mother Ethel Phyllis (McKenney) Pillsbury and step-father Ralph Benton “Barney” Pillsbury in Benton in their home on the River Road. He was educated at Benton Grammar School and graduated from Lawrence High School, Class of 1961. He excelled in football and baseball, which

he first enjoyed playing with his brothers on the Pillsbury’s little league team sponsored by his family’s tractor business. Jim’s early years were notable for travel and adventure. After working in the position of Captain Waiter in the Seattle Space Needle during the 1962 World’s Fair, he enlisted in the U.S. Army at nearby Fort Lewis. Having tested into the Special Forces, he served in Fort Bragg, North Carolina in the rank of Private First Class. He graduated from the airborne course as a parachutist in 1964. He was married briefly to Roseann Mammoser (Pfiffner) of Minnesota in 1971 and was a proud father to their son. He traveled extensively throughout the United States, having worked as a brakeman for the Great Northern and Burlington Northern railways which carried him across the Northwest. He enjoyed sailing in Tampa and San Diego, as well as gold panning and fly fishing near Boise. Stories have been shared of his travels to the Southwest, Denver, Cocoa Beach and Boston. He went on to earn a degree in Addiction Counseling at Minneapolis Community and Technical College. Attending his 25th Lawrence High School reunion, he and classmate Rita Crosby West reunited and were married in 1986. This was to be the love of their lives, enduring until his death. They delighted in the horses, farm animals and pets they kept together at their home in Benton, where he chose a career as a licensed insurance agent until his retirement. Jim enjoyed gardening, country drives, agricultural fairs, and local and family history. He and Rita attended the Fairfield First Baptist Church. Gifted with a sharp wit, he was well known for his clever way with words. He shared his loves of watching mo

vies and the craft of storytelling with his son, who would go on to become an award-winning film director in New York City. He especially cherished spending time on school holidays and summer visits with his two grandsons. Survivors include his loving wife of 37 years, Rita, now of Gardiner; his brother Robert Pillsbury and wife Kelly of Benton; sister Mary Lou “Lucille” Ryan and husband Robert of Graham, North Carolina, sister-in-law Rosemary Pillsbury of Unity; his son Ben Bowman and grandsons Wyatt and Felix Hand-Bowman of Minneapolis; Jody West of Benton, Donna Young of Athens; Deborah Ford of Massachusetts; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents, biological father Winfield Cornelius “Bill” Bowman and his brothers Byron and Richard Pillsbury. A memorial service will be held Sunday at 2pm at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield. Condolences may be expressed at www.lawrybrothers.com

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory to the Maine Children’s Home or the Collegiate Recovery Program at Minneapolis College, would be greatly appreciated.

Copy the Story Link