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James Stephen Bower, MD

February 26, 1946 - August 30, 2024

 

James “Jim” Stephen Bower valued above all else time with family and friends. He was kind to all he met and loved to explore and learn. He had a quiet studious nature, but when the situation called for levity, he could deliver the perfect one-liner. To Jim’s grandchildren he was the “big bad wolf” in games of hide and seek, “the old maid” in the card game that he never won, and their favorite “cookie monster”. 

 

Jim was born on February 26, 1946 in Tacoma, WA. Shortly after his birth, his family moved to Madison, WI. He attended West High School where he met the love of his life, Susan Juhl. Jim pursued his undergraduate degree at Harvard University (’68) and after their college graduations, Jim and Susan were married on June 22, 1968. The couple ventured to New York City where Jim attended Columbia Medical School (’72). He went on to his internal medicine residency and pulmonary critical care fellowship at the University of Michigan where he remained on faculty for several years.

 

In 1981 Jim accepted a position at Kansas City Pulmonary Clinic and the Bower family moved to Overland Park, KS. Jim cared for patients at Research Medical Center where he served as president of the medical staff and on the board of directors. Later, he earned a Master’s degree in Health Care Administration from the University of Wisconsin (‘02) and became the Chief Medical Officer at Research.

 

Jim was a natural athlete. He enjoyed both cheering on his favorite teams and competing himself. He lettered in three sports in high school, played baseball for Harvard, beat his kids regularly in games of HORSE, and enjoyed tennis, golf, and boxing in his retirement. He also loved to learn and was a natural teacher. He spent hours with his children and grandchildren helping with homework, teaching them about the natural world, and reading them anything from bedtime stories to Shakespeare. Jim’s love of learning extended beyond books; he also loved traveling and the opportunity to learn about different cultures.

 

Of all his attributes, Jim was most beloved for his kind heart and genuine interest in the lives of the people around him. When you talked to Jim you felt seen and valued.  Jim wanted each person in his life to truly understand how important they were to him.

 

James S. Bower passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 30, 2024 at the age of 78. James was predeceased by parents James & Eleanor Bower, brother Douglas Bower, and brothers-in-law Steven Lawrence and John Juhl. He is survived by his wife Susan Juhl Bower, sister Marilyn Lawrence, children Kimberly Ann Buckholz Bower (Gary), Kelly Bower Joffe (Edward), Steven James Bower (Laura), grandchildren Makayla, Megan, Matthew, Patrick, Owen, Avery, Stella, and Pierce, sister-in-law Josie Cusma-Bower, nieces Gina and Lisa, nephews Erik and Mike.

 

A remembrance will be held on Friday October 18, 2024 at 11:30 am at the Overland Park Arboretum, 8909 W. 179th Street, Overland Park, KS. A luncheon will follow the remembrance. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation (http://www3.parkinson.org/goto/JamesBower), the Prostate Cancer Foundation (http://joinpcf.funraise.org/fundraiser/james-bower) or the Friends of Arboretum (http://www.artsandrec-op.org/arboretum/donate or PO Box 26392, Overland Park, KS).

Send Condolences
Additional Service:
Celebration of Life
Location:
Overland Park Arboretum
Address:
8909 W. 179th Street
City:
Overland Park
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66013
Date of Service:
Oct 18, 2024
Time of Service:
11:30 am
Additional Information:
No Additional Information Added
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map

Condolences

Bob Fallon Sep 03, 2024

friend I made playing Earle Bird tennis ,Leawood ,Kansas

very humble. He never mentioned to me in 18 years that he had gone to Harvard. Very friendly. As he was walking into Overland Park racquet club for The first time, he said hello to me with a smile on his face. Little did I know at the time, we would go to Denny’s every Tuesday for breakfast. I will miss him.

Cheryl Smith Sep 03, 2024

Friend, Neighbor ,Phoenix ,Arizona

The Bowers My neighbors and friends We lived in Colony West in Overland Park which is a true old fashioned neighborhood So many fond memories! Jim was so smart and very kind-a really good man! He was outstanding and dignified but in a relaxed way Great sense of humor and he cared about everybody. He fit in everywhere. He and Susan and Kim, Kelly and Steve are the best of memories from my 30 years living in Kansas City. Love to all of you

Alex Walker Sep 03, 2024

Family Friend ,Albuquerque ,New Mexico

I met Dr. Bower in the early 90s after somehow convincing his daughter to suffer me as a friend. The Bowers were always exceptionally kind and welcoming. Family always came first - a priority that served their children well. Jim and Susan's generosity and intellect was clearly passed along to their children, who are all equally amazing. My heart breaks for all of you. Though taken too soon, I can only imagine how blessed he felt to have be surrounded by so much love. Thinking of you during this difficult time.

Jim Dumphy Sep 04, 2024

Friend ,Venice ,Florida

Jim and I met in high school and became good friends. We would often study together evenings, and I am forever grateful for the study habits I learned through his advice and example. He was a kind hearted person, quick to help others, and always fun to be with. I remember one time when our friend Bill and I went over to his house to play a joke, which involved a raw egg. We rang his doorbell and he came out. Bill was at the side of the door, out of his view, and I was in front of the door but a ways away. Bill smashed the egg on Jim’s head, but instead of chasing Bill he went after me! I took off as fast as I could run, but Jim ran me down (he was very fast). At that time I was very grateful for his sense of humor and good nature. I feel sad for Susan and the rest of his beloved family. He was a wonderful person and it’s hard to imagine such a loss. My condolences to you all.

Dick McCabe Sep 08, 2024

a forever best friend ,Topeka ,Kansas

JB: I am extremely grateful for every moment we shared together this past decade, almost as much as the thousands of times during our Wonder Bread years so long ago, when we grew and conquered out Madison-based world. What an amazing pal you were; the strongest and kindness friend I could ever imagine. It still isn't clear to me which of us was the lousiest golfer. I regret we won't have more opportunities to find out. As a friend, teammate and hero, you will always be with me, as you have for been for 70 years.