James A. Bowden

Posted on April 16, 2025

James A. Bowden was called home to Our Heavenly Father and his parents.

His view of the beautiful Heavenly Lands most likely resembles the coasts of our cherished Taylor County.

We expect he will spend his eternal life hiking our coast and enjoying the beautiful sunsets with his parents while watching over his family and friends.

Jimmy (Jimbo, Poppie, Bro and Sensei as he was known to others) was born to A.C. and Adell Bowden on Nov. 9, 1939.

He grew up in Perry and was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church.

In 1964, he married Gerry Ferns Bowden.

They have three children, Chandra, Kerri Lynn and son-in law, John Fenno.

He is also survived by: brothers, Donald (Debbie) and John (Susan); his grandsons, Grant Williams (Kerri) and Jimmy Fenno (Kerri and John); and a multitude of nieces and nephews.

He enjoyed boating, shark fishing, artifact hunting, excursions around our coastal areas and, of course, Karate.

Many a Saturday he spent working with his father in the family hardware store on Jefferson Street. Jimmy was a lifelong teacher to his community. It was a joy for him to spend time with students impacting their lives in the schools and in Karate.

Sensei Jimmy began his study of Karate in 1974 and became a teacher in 1977.

He was one of the five founders of the American Shotokan Karate- Do Kenkojuku Alliance (ASKKA).

His 7th Degree Black Belt was awarded under Tomokatsu Okano Kancho, Tokyo, Japan.

Sensei was owner and chief instructor of the Perry Dojo from 1977 to the present.

He received many state, All-American and international karate awards over the course of his Karate practice.

He was featured in “Who’s Who in American Karate” through the 1980s and 1990s.

Jimmy graduated from Taylor County High School (TCHS) in 1957 and attended North Georgia College, Dahlonega, Ga., a military school.

From there, he received master’s degrees from both the University of Florida and Florida State University. He proudly served his country as an E-7 in U.S. Army and with U.S. Coast Guard Reserve.

From 1965- 2002, he was employed with the Taylor County School District.

He served many roles. To many, he was their math teacher. For others, he was their dean and assistant principal. For many years, he was principal, where he served two schools.

Toward the later half of his career, he was the personnel director for the district.

Jimmy was actively involved in Taylor County. He served for three years as Pine Tree Festival and Parade Chairman.

He was also board member of Tree Capital Credit Union for 10 years. He served as president of the Methodist Men’s Club.

He was honored to be awarded Taylor County’s “Teacher of the Year,” and the Perry Jaycees’ “Outstanding Young Educator” award and to receive the Jaycee’s “Distinguished Service” award.

Poppie made an impact on his family, friends and community. He will be remembered for his compassion and involvement in others’ lives. He will be well and truly missed. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 26, at 1 pm. At the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.

All arrangements are under the care of Joe P. Burns Funeral Home. Friends may sign the online guest book at joepburnsfuneralhomes.com.