John Louis Bowman age 71 of Cincinnati, Ohio peacefully passed away on Saturday, March 26, 2016 surrounded by loved ones after fighting a courageous battle against brain cancer.
He is survived by his loving spouse of almost 44 years, Dorothy (Dottie) Bowman. His only son, John (JD) (spouse Missy) Bowman of Milford, Ohio, daughter Heather (spouse Brian) Thompson of Aliso Viejo, California and daughter Melissa (spouse Paul) Bowman of Cincinnati, Ohio. John enjoyed the joy and happiness of his five grandchildren, Megan (16), Michael (12), Leila (8), Jack (7) and Kai (6). John also leaves behind his loving siblings, Charles (Chuck) Bowman of Tampa, Florida and Pam Sandlin of Cincinnati, Ohio. He is preceded in death by his parents Harry (Doc) and Florence (Flo) Bowman, as well as younger brother, Jerry Bowman.
John was born on September 25, 1944, in Miami, Florida. He grew up in a happy, loving home in Long Island, New York. During this time he excelled academically, while also cultivating a love of sports, playing football and baseball. He graduated from West Babylon High school in 1962. He went on to serve his country in the Vietnam War, later graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Xavier University.
John was a pioneer in the women’s intimate apparel industry in New York City. He dedicated 27 years to the initial launch and success of Wacoal America where he served as Corporate Vice-President of Wacoal and President of Donna Karan Intimates/DKYNY Underwear. Later in his career, he was a partner at Dana-co where he successfully worked with the Natori brand. He went on to establish John Bowman & Associates, where he provided his years of experience and expertise to numerous companies globally. He developed and built brands like he lived his life… never accepting that anything was impossible and always pushing forward despite the odds. John also took great pleasure in mentoring his employees and was instrumental in the success of many that he leaves behind.
John had a love of horses and raised and showed Arabians, developing and operating Heatherstone Farms along with his wife, Dottie. His love of sports continued through adulthood, both as an avid fan and an active participant. John developed a passion for skiing and travelled around the world making his way down the slopes and enjoying the sport he had come to love. John also loved to travel with his family on vacations to Hawaii and always involved a nice meal, good conversation and of course, a great glass of wine.
John was a husband, father, grandfather, mentor and friend to many and he will be deeply missed… he wasn’t just one in a million, but one in a lifetime.
We invite family and friends to come together on Saturday, April 9th to celebrate and honor John’s life and legacy. Visitation will be held Saturday, April 9th from 2:00 pm until time of funeral service at 4:00 pm, at Fares J. Radel Funeral Home, 5950 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45230.
John reqested that any donations please be made to the The Cure Starts Now Foundation (started in honor of local Lauren Hill) in hopes that someday others, especially children, will not have to suffer from this terrible illness. Donations can be made at www.thecurestartsnow.org or via check to 10280 Chester Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45215.
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