Published on May 14, 2025 4:40 pm
Last Updated on May 14, 2025 4:40 pm
James W. “Jim” Bowlin, 84, of rural Effingham IL, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Effingham. Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery in Effingham with military rites. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to Sacred Heart School or Community Support Systems. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
James was born on July 18, 1940 in East St. Louis, IL, the son of Jess and Ruth (Miller) Bowlin. Jim graduated from Effingham High School in 1958 and enlisted in the United States Navy at age 17. He was a proud Navy veteran. One of his Navy highlights was spending 6 months at the South Pole on the USS Glacier. They had traveled farther inland than any human had ever been at that time. He saw the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and went to New Zealand and the Samoan Islands. Every two years, he would attend the USS Glacier reunion. Jim married the love of his life Carolyn Osthoff on August 22, 1959. They first met at Murphy’s where Carolyn worked at the candy counter and Jim was a stockboy. Last year they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Jim retired from Effingham Equity after 37 years. He was an avid Effingham Hearts football and basketball fan. He was still going to Hearts football games last fall. He loved country and western music and had a huge record collection that he was very proud of. He self-taught himself how to play the guitar and founded the Smokehouse Gang. As a group, they played music for local nursing homes. He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, and watching his grandkids’ sporting events. Most of all, Jim loved his family and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Jim had a big heart and was always willing to help others.
Jim is survived by his wife, Carolyn Bowlin of rural Effingham; children, Sandy (Chuck) Vansaghi of Watson, Cindy (Chris) Niebrugge of rural Effingham, Tom (Carolyn) Bowlin of Mason, and Debbie (Jason) Vahling of Effingham; grandchildren, Niki (Shelby) Baker, Eric (Ally) Vansaghi, Chad (Erin) Niebrugge, Jake (Katie) Bowlin, Jessica (Andrew) Vahling, Devin (Holly) Vansaghi, Josh Bowlin, Katie Vahling, and Colten Vahling; 6 great-grandchildren with one on the way; and brother-in-law, Mike Walk; sisters-in-law, Evelyn (Ted) Thies and Cathy (Tom) Mulligan; uncles, Don Miller and Jerry Miller; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Joseph Bowlin, David Bowlin, and Danny Bowlin; grandson, Sean Niebrugge; sister, Karen (Dick) Dust; stepfather, Sylvester “Pete” Koester; and sister-in-law, Barb Walk.
The family would like to thank the nurses and aides at HSHS Hospice for their wonderful compassionate care.