James "J.W." Bowman, CLU, ChFC
March 24, 1941 –September 24, 2025

James "J.W." Bowman, went home to be with his Jesus, Lord and Savior at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family and friendships.

Born March 24, 1941, in Hereford, Texas, J.W. was the son of William "Bill" Bowman and Hope Adams Bowman Webber. His father passed away in a plane accident when J.W. was five years old, and he and his brother were raised by his mother and stepfather, Woodrow "Woody" Webber.

J.W. grew up in Texas and New Mexico, attending 26 different schools in just two years before his family settled in Clovis, NM. Where he created architectural drawings for their family home in drafting class. He received his first Gideons New Testament in fifth grade, and during Vacation Bible School he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized that same night.

Known for his cowboy hat and boots (his first pair a black-and-turquoise he bought from Texaco, NM), His sales career started by selling Collier's encyclopedias door to door during his college summers. His outstanding sales earned him a trip to Spain — his first commercial airline flight. He graduated from New Mexico State University in 1966 with a Bachelor of Business Administration.  An active alumnus, he served on Presidents Associates Board, El Paso Alumni Chapter, and High School Scholarship Nights. In 1984 he was named a Distinguished Alumnus of the NMSU School of Business and remained a loyal Aggie.

J.W. met the love of his life, Janet "Jan" Woodburn, at the New Mexico State Baptist Student Union. Together they shared 61 years of marriage.

J.W. built a successful and respected career in Life Insurance. Beginning with Northwestern Mutual Life, he went on to found JWB Financial Associates, where he served clients who often became lifelong friends. He was a master-level producer for both New England Life and Lincoln National Life. He was a qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table in his very first year of business, served as Regional Director for the Texas Leader Roundtable, and was active in many professional organizations, including the El Paso Estate Planning Council, El Paso Life Underwriters, and as president of the El Paso CLU and ChFC Chapters.

As the youngest agent invited to speak at the Northwestern Mutual Conference, J.W.'s words became the cornerstone of his life and career: "I believe the Lord is my true source of power. If I continue to use the ability He gave me, miracles will happen. The Apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:13, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'"

A longtime member of First Baptist Church El Paso, he served as a Deacon, usher, and many committees. committees. Impacted by his first bible – a Gideons New Testament, J.W. served as board member and past president for 32 years with The Gideons International - West Side El Paso Camp distributing bibles wherever he went.

Beyond his professional service, J.W. was passionate about planes gained from flying with his father in an open-cockpit Taylor Craft plane. He was always ready with a handshake and memorable saying to make friends smile. Most of all, he was devoted to keeping his family united and instilling in them the value of family - legacy that is living out through generations.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William "Bill" Bowman and Hope Adams Bowman Webber; his stepfather, Woodrow "Woody" Webber; and his sister-in-law, Carol Bowman.

He is survived by his wife Jan Bowman; his children, Janna Bowman and Jason Bowman; and his grandsons, Deacon and Caden Bowman. He is also survived by his brother Ronald W. Bowman, and his nephews and niece — Brittian (Lidia), Brenden (Terry), Shannon Bowman and their children.

A Celebration of Life will be held at First Baptist Church El Paso on Sunday, September 28th at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Gideon's International or First Baptist Church El Paso – Widows Ministry in his honor.