James (Jim) Leslie Bowden
November 14, 2025
BOWDEN, James (Jim) Leslie - It is with great sadness that we announce his passing, peacefully surrounded by family at the Louise Marshall Hospital on Friday, November 14, 2025.
Beloved husband for 22 wonderful years to Donna (née Monk) Bowden. Loving father to Sherry (Dan) Burke of Mount Forest, Mike (partner Stephanie) of Walkerton, Jimmy (Karen) of Durham and stepfather to Angie (Corey) Tone of Ayton. He was a proud Grandpa and Poppa to Rayne, Autumn, River, Wyland, and Marley.
He is also survived by his siblings: Dave of Fergus, Mary Jane of Listowel, Ken (Lynn) of Stoney Creek, Charlie (Jane) of Belleville, Tom (Karen) of Mount Forest, and Rosie of Stouffville. He will be fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews. Jim is predeceased by his parents Leslie and Mary, his brothers George, Robert, and Jack, and his nephew Davey.
Jim was a proud, kind-hearted man, with an unwavering love for his family which will never be forgotten. He worked for the Township of Wellington North and was a Volunteer Firefighter for the Mount Forest Fire Department, until his retirement.
He found pleasure in being outdoors, gardening, fishing, and tinkering in his workshop. He enjoyed cruisin’ in his classic 1970 Nova with Donna by his side, listening to tunes from the 50' and 60's with the windows down.
Visitation will be held at England Funeral Home, 294 Main Street South, Mount Forest, on Thursday, November 20th from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 p.m. A funeral service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held at the funeral home on Friday, November 21st at 11:00 a.m., with visitation from 10:00-10:45 a.m. Those unable to attend are invited to join the livestream by clicking the link below Jim’s obituary. A time of fellowship will follow at the Mount Forest Legion, Branch 134, 140 King Street West, Mount Forest. Cremation to follow. A private family interment will be held at the Mount Forest Cemetery at a later date.
Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Jim are asked to consider the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON – Mount Forest Location Day Programs) or the Louise Marshall Hospital Foundation. Donations and online condolences may be made at www.englandfuneralhome.com
James (Jim) Bowden Funeral Service
Condolences
Our sincere sympathy on the passing of Jim. May he rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
— Lori-Lyn Roefs, December 30, 2025Dear Sherri, although we haven’t crossed paths in some time, I wanted to express my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your Dad. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
— Michelle Dally, December 3, 2025To the Bowden families and everyone who knew Jim, my sincere sympathy for the loss of your Husband, Father, Brother,Grandpa, and Friend. Jim was a great guy! Remember the good times to keep his memory close in your hearts.
— Patti Young, November 20, 2025Donna & the Bowden family,
Sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Cherish the memories. R I P Jim
Jim & Peggy Sheehy
Our sympathies to the Bowden family on their loss. RIP Jim.
— Tracy &Paul Burke, November 20, 2025So sorry for your loss xo
— Judy Gerber, November 19, 2025Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time Doug and Brenda Hawkrigg
— Doug Hawkrigg, November 19, 2025Condolences to Jim’s family. Sorry for your loss.
Ken and Karen
Our deepest condolences
— Kevin Coutts, November 19, 2025When I look back in life and think of all the people that I have met and shared laughter and conversations with, I am so glad and thankful that Jim, Donna and the whole family are amongst that list. Only good memories.
I just heard the news this evening and I was deeply saddened. You are dear friends and I want you to know that I am thinking of you and sending my thoughts, prayers and hugs across the miles. With love...Trina
So sorry for your family's loss.
Had a lot of fun with Jim and Donna when he was with the fire department.
A lot of good memories with Tom and Karen and Rose too
I am so sorry for your loss
— Helene Jones, November 18, 2025Our condolences to the Bowden family
Very saddened to hear of the passing of Jim. He always had a smile, and something humorous to share with me.
I've grown up in very close proximity to the entire family and know most of them very well. I hope time will heal their hearts and Jim rests in a better place.
To the Bowden family.
I'm very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Sending peace, strength and love. My condolences to you all.
Rest easy, Jim
Donna: Our deepest condolences. Thinking of you at this time.
— Brad and Brenda Schenk, November 18, 2025My sincere condolences to Donna and the entire family.
— Karen K Switzer, November 18, 2025To all the Bowden family, the obituary picture is the only way we remember Jim, always with a smile on his face. So very sorry for your loss.
— Jim & Kim Stewart, November 18, 2025Donna, Tom & family, you have my sincere sympathy in the loss of your busband & brother. Cherish the memories that no one can take away.
— Linda Sinclair, November 17, 2025My deepest sympathy to Sherry and Dan
— Shirley Becker, November 17, 2025To the Bowden family our deepest condolences. Jim was a great guy and will be missed
— John&Patti Weber, November 17, 2025Donna, Mike, Jimmy, Sherry, and families.
So sorry to hear about your Dad.
Our sincere condolences to all.
Jason and Amber Oakes
Our condolences on the passing of Jim … knew Jim through my Dad as a Firefighter… I was a neighbour to Donna when Angie was just a wee girl … our thoughts are with you Donna … Deb and Frank
— Debra van den Broek, November 17, 2025Sherry , Tom and family, we are sorry to hear about Jim’s passing, he was a valued and devoted township employee and firefighter for many years and he always had an encouraging opinion to share, you will have some great memories.
— Dan & Kim Yake, November 17, 2025To all of Jim's family. We are sorry to hear of the passing of Jim. Cherish all the memories
— Karen Rave, November 17, 2025Dear Donna & family- our deepest condolences to you on the passing of Jim. We were shocked to see the notice. I always enjoyed a chat with Jim. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Sincerely, Marie & Earl Randall
Sherri & Dan: Our sincere sympathy to you at this time. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Rev. Russell & Marilyn Rogers
— Russell and Marilyn, November 17, 2025We are so very sorry to hear of Jim's passing! He always had a smile and loved to chat. Thinking of all the Bowden family as you grieve your loss.
— Doug and Joan Woods, November 17, 2025We were sorry to hear of Jim's passing.
Jim was very friendly, and he will be missed.
Sincere sympathy to Donna and family.
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Bowden family. Our thoughts are with you all.
— Gord and Kathy Calder, November 16, 2025We are so sorry for your loss. John worked with Jim for the township with lots of good memories. He always had a smile, a heartfelt hello and chat and a great sense of humour.
Cherish the memories.
John and Michele
Dear Tom, Karen and families: Thinking of you at this sad time. Our sincere condolences.
Carol and Roger.
Donna,Sherri, Mike and Jimmy my sincere heartfelt condolences
Mike to you and your family, our sincere sympathy Mike. So sad to hear this news!!!! Hugs our friend
— Bryan and Mary Pfaff, November 16, 2025Sorry for your loss. My condolences to all.
— Terry Williamson, November 16, 2025Although I didn't know Jim well, I will always remember him as the kind and pleasant man who took time out to help me find the hockey equipment that my six-year-old son needed many years ago. My sincere sympathy to the family on your loss.
— Donna Padfield, November 16, 2025Sending heartfelt condolences to Jim’s entire family. I have many memories of Jim from growing up in Mount Forest. He was always ready with a joke or a story. A larger-than-life character who will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and love to you all.
— Jody Kennett, November 16, 2025Donna, Jim, Sherry, Angie and families;
Where do I begin? First of all my heartfelt condolences....nothing I say will make the remainder of your journey here on earth any easier. As for Jim....well he was a down to earth guy who spoke his mind which sometimes made me gasp, laugh and even blush but he always made me feel like he cared about me, John and our girls. Hugs to you all, Tali
I am so very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. So many amazing memories from my years growing up in Mount Forest. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
— Vikki Reavely (nee Rapp), November 16, 2025Many wonderful memories of Jim, over the years.
Our heartfelt condolences to all his family.
Lorne & Terry Ellison
My sincere condolences to all.
— Sherri Williamson, November 16, 2025My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Cherish your memories.