James Grant Jr. Bowden
Burial Details
Obituaries
Steamboat Today - June 3, 2006
Former Steamboat Springs resident James Grant Bowden Jr. passed away May 18, 2006, in Longview, Wash. He was 90.
Grant was born Aug. 29, 1915, on the family homestead near Steamboat Springs.
Grant's early life involved work on the family farm and dairy, work in a creamery and later as a deputy county assessor.
World War II sent him off to the U.S. Army's Ranger School. He was a ranger and a scout in Gen. Patton's campaign across Europe and was one of the troops who liberated the Bergen-Belson prisoner of war camps.
He then was sent to the Pacific, spending a year after World War II helping train the Philippine Army Scouts.
He received the Bronze Star for action in Europe.
He later worked in machinery sales in Steamboat Springs and in real estate sales in Scottsdale, Ariz., until he retired to Lincoln City, Ore., in 1976. He moved to Kelso, Ore., in 1991.
Grant was a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge and a member of the American Legion.
Grant loved people and had and endless supply of jokes. He especially liked kidding the waitresses and clerks that he met. He always asked for a doggie bag for the silverware after a meal.
He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Grant is survived by his wife, Helen of Kelso, Ore.; sons, David of Woodland and Jim of Brick, N.J.; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Barber of Steamboat Springs; and brother, Robert of Oklahoma.
A memorial service was held May 23, 2006, at Dahl McVicker Funeral Home, with later interment and military funeral in Steamboat Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Medical Center in Longview, Wash.
