James "Jimmy" Lyle Bowen, Sr., 66, died Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, at his home in Homosassa. Graveside services will be held at the convenience of family.

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Maria Lourdes Bowen, his son, James (Abbey) Bowen, Jr., and their children Emmanuel, Andrew, Brandon and Alexis. He is also survived by step-daughters Louise Patrizia Belen and Alessia Micole (Brett) Pertuch, and his siblings, Norman "Butch" Bowen, Jr., Barbara Gott, Thomas (Kathleen) Bowen, Linda (Bruce) Schell, and Donna Bowen.

Jimmy was born June 6, 1958, the son of Iva Mae (Heishman) and Norman Bowen, Sr. He grew up in the home built by his father and uncles on Putnam Lane in Forestville, Md.

Large-scale construction projects were the employment centers of the Bowen men. Jimmy was a life-long ironworker, having begun his education in the construction business at his father's elbow. Brother "Tommy" recalled their father bringing blueprints home to the dining room table and explaining to his sons how to anticipate the materials that would be needed by the crew for the next day's job.

During summer vacations from high school, Jimmy put on a hard hat and went to work beside his father, brother and uncles in the Washington, D.C. area.

The skills learned as a teenager were the first steps leading Jimmy to work on bridge projects, skyscrapers and large transportation jobs from the Southwest, Midwest and East Coast, United States.

In 1979, he married Cathy Carrol. The marriage later ended, but the two remained friends and were the proud parents of James, Jr.

In 2002, Jimmy met "Malou" in Forestville. They were married at the Prince George's County Courthouse accompanied by family.

They and daughters Patrizia and Miki moved to Florida in 2007. Malou is known for her incredible family party planning and her fabulous cooking. The couple would often host reunions and holiday meals in their home.

Jimmy was an animal lover who had many pets through the years. His final years were spent with his dog Bentley and a cat aptly named Lucky.

In the days since his passing, his brothers and sisters have recalled fun times growing up in Forestville. Linda remembered sharing their mother's care as she and Jimmy suffered from chickenpox when they were 6 and 8-years-old.

Linda and Tommy often recount playing baseball and football in the "bottom lot," a large area on the family property that was a draw for all of the neighborhood children.

As in every life, there were good years and bad ones, happy times and struggles. The last decade of Jimmy's life was difficult as doctors attempted to rid his body of cancers that eventually took his life.

His family hope the sad memories will fade and the happy times will come front to mind when Jimmy is remembered.