Jim L. Bowling

Jimmie L. “Jim” Bowling, lifelong resident of the Somerville Community and a person active throughout his life in the farming, business, political and community activities of Fayette County, departed this life Monday morning, January 20, 2014 at the Methodist Germantown Hospital where he had been a patient for one day. He was 85 years of age and died unexpectedly of natural causes.

Services Honoring the Life of Mr. Bowling with Military Recognition were conducted at 11 A.M. Wednesday, January 22nd at the Somerville First Baptist Church with Dr. Ken Story, pastor of the church, officiating. Interment followed in the Somerville City Cemetery. Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes and Cremation Center — Main Chapel of Somerville.

Mr. Bowling was born August 4, 1928 in the Williston Community of Fayette County, the son of the late Jimmie G. Bowling and Betty Patterson Bowling, early residents of the Williston area. He received his education in the Fayette County Public School System and as a young person served in the United States Army during the Korean War Period.

Mr. Bowling had a lifelong interest for farming and was a cattleman and farmer in Fayette County throughout his life. He was the founder of the Somerville Insurance Agency, a well-known Somerville business, that continues to be operated today by his son, Jimmie B. Bowling. He enjoyed being a part of the political process in Fayette County for many years and served as Sheriff of Fayette County for six years. He was a member of the Somerville First Baptist Church and had been a member of the Somerville Masonic Lodge for over 50 years. Mr. Bowling had a deep love for Fayette County and its people. He enjoyed the friendships of people from all walks of life and will be remembered as a friend to many.

Mr. Bowling was blessed with two beloved companions, his first wife, Evelyn Barrett Bowling, died at an early age on May 26, 1961 and he was later married to Gayle LaRue Bowling, retired Fayette County Chamber of Commerce Director, who died July 21, 2012.

Mr. Bowling is survived by two daughters, Vicki Mills (Larry) of Williston, Patricia Yager (Joe) of Moscow; two sons, Jimmie B. Bowling (Sandy) of Somerville, Will Bowling (Tammy) of Williston; two sisters, Mary Redfearn of Somerville, Barbara Jean Bowling of Bartlett; two brothers, Smith Bowling of Murfreesboro, TN, Eldridge “Skin” Bowling of Somerville; nine special grandchildren, Chris Bowling, Courtney Clayton, Weston Bowling, Alyson Yager, Brennan Bowling, Jody Yager, Peyton Bowling, Macy Yager, Corbin Bowling; and four great grandchildren, Jackson Karcher, Barrett Bowling, Graham Bowling and Avery Clayton.

Those honored to serve as casketbearers were Brennan Bowling, Chris Bowling, Peyton Bowling, Weston Bowling, Millard Bowling, Jr. and Perry A. Redfearn.

The family requests that memorials be directed to the Somerville First Baptist Chuch, 12685 S. Main Street, Somerville, TN 38068 or to the church, charity or organization of the donor’s choice.