James Wilbur "Jimmy" Bowers

James Wilbur “Jimmy” Bowers, 73, of Miami, died Sunday, January 24, 2016 in Miami. Services will be at 2:00 PM Thursday, January 28, 2016, at United Methodist Church in Miami, with Rev. Lewis Holland at First United Methodist Church of Slaton, and Rev. Anthony Inman, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Miami Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors of Pampa. Mr. Bowers was born August 27, 1942 in Pampa to Sam and Esther Bowers. Growing up, he worked on the farm with his dad and developed a love and passion for farming he kept his whole life. He played basketball and football at Miami High School where he was called “Golden Toe Bowers,” graduating in 1960. Jimmy entered Clarendon College in the fall of 1960 where he played basketball. Every weekend and break he came home to work on the family farm, where he always loved to be. Upon graduation from Clarendon College, he enrolled at West Texas State University where he graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science degree. After graduation, he moved back to Miami where he helped his dad put in the fall crops and harvesting the summer crops, and went to work for Miami Implement Company. Jimmy worked there and farmed on the side until 1968 when he bought his first tractor and started custom farming full time for Moody Farms. His custom farming operation continued to grow over the next few years, and included customers Locke Cattle Company and Roy Mathers. Jimmy moved to Pampa in February of 1971 where he met Emma Wheless, and on January 27, 1972, they were married. In April of 1975, Jimmy and Emma moved to Miami. They farmed together throughout the years, and he also worked for Roberts County Road Department for several years before his retirement. He continued to farm up until his death. He joined the United Methodist Church in Miami on May 11, 1952 and served on numerous boards over the years. He served as president of the Miami School Board, and served as a member for nine years. He served on the Roberts County ASCS committee from 1982-1994, and served on the Gray County Farm Bureau for many years. Jimmy was an honorary farmer member of the Miami FFA. Jimmy was loved by everyone who knew him and he enjoyed helping people more than anything else. He never turned down a request for help and always went out of his way to help those in need. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Esther Bowers; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Sam and Addie Marie Wheless. Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Emma Bowers of the home; two children, Sam Bowers and Susan Bowers, both of Miami; a brother, David Bowers and wife Janiece of Pampa; a sister, Sammie Jo Pohnert of White Deer; his dog and cat, Peanut and Lil Bit; and his grand dogs, Chico and Kibbles, who will miss him. The family will receive friends from 6:00-7:30 Wednesday, January 27, 2016, at Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors in Pampa. Memorials may be made to the Roberts County Museum, PO Box 306, Miami, Texas 79059; or United Methodist Church, 201 S. Main, Miami, Texas 79059.