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
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.