James Edward Bowles Sr., 95, of Esmont, VA went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at Albemarle Health and Rehabilitation Center in Charlottesville, VA. He was born September 1, 1928, in Fluvanna County, VA, a son of the late Jimmy and Louisanna Mills Bowles.

Bowles or Mr. B, as he was affectionately known, was baptized at a young age in Bremo Bluff, VA. He later joined New Hope Baptist Church in Esmont where he was ordained as a Deacon and served for over 50 years. Bowles was also active in the Sunday School and a member of the Men’s Chorus.

Bowles appeared to be quiet and reserved until you got him sharing his life stories about growing up in rural Fluvanna County. He believed in hard work and providing for the family, so he took pride in raising pigs and a garden that he often shared with others. His favorite pastimes were watching westerns, boxing, Sanford and Son, and the Boston Red Sox Baseball Team on TV. It is believed he also enjoyed keeping Margurite whom he called the “Boss” in check, as well as his weekly arguments with Henrietta who was known as the “Enforcer.”

Bowles loved to visit neighboring churches with his riding partner and devoted neighbor, Deacon Reginald Scott, especially during Homecoming & Revivals. He would gladly open the Prayer Services with a heartfelt prayer and some of his favorite songs such as Yes God Is Real and Higher Ground. He then became affectionately known as “ole two songs.” One of his favorite scriptures was Psalm 121.

Bowles was preceded in death by his wife, Blanche Jones Bowles; one son, Johnny Harold Bowles; two grandsons, Robert “Pooh” Bowles, and David “Flip” Williams; five sisters, Bertha Bowles, Mary Bowles, Florence Johnson, Marjorie Lyons, and Issetta Smith; and three brothers, Benny, Rudolph, and Willie Bowles.

Bowles is survived by three daughters, Barbara (Faurice) Taliaferro of Powhatan, VA, Henrietta (Ulysses) Jackson and Margurite Murray of Esmont; two sons, James (Diane) Bowles Jr. of Green County, VA and Barry Bowles of Lawrenceville, VA; six grandchildren, Melinda Anderson, Mariah Bowles-Crawford, Quentin Dillard, Stacie Rice, Earl Scott, and Alison Williams; one estranged brother, Johnny Bowles of Richmond, VA; a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends who will miss him.

For more on services and to share your condolences, JF Bell Funeral Home.