James Lyell Bowen

James (Jim) Lyell Bowen, 60, of Sheridan, IL passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 after a courageous 2 year battle with cancer. James was born on November 4, 1963 to Lyell and Beverly (Kaufman) Bowen.

James was united in marriage to Eileen Radcliffe on July 5, 1997 and they spent the next 26 years happily together.  He was a farmer, farming the family farm in Sheridan for his entire life. Jim worked many years at Dienst Construction along side his Uncle Al. Jim worked over 10 years at Camp Tuckabatchee in Ottawa helping with maintenance and as an overall jack-of-all-trades. He made many special friends at camp. He was a loving husband, son, brother, uncle and great-uncle, who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

James is survived by his wife, Eileen Bowen of Sheridan, IL ; his parents, Lyell and Beverly Bowen of Sheridan, IL; his niece, Jessica Bowen; his nephew, Mark D. Bowen; his great-niece, Averie Bowen; his two great- nephews, Rhett and Logan Bowen; as well as his sister-in-law, Carol Bowen. He is also survived by his special horse Ranger.

James is preceded in death by his only brother Mark R. Bowen.

Jim was first and foremost a farmer. He had a special love for the family farm and was proud of his work. He always wanted his planted rows to be “straight and true”. But that was not his only passion. Jim and his wife spent many years taking wilderness pack trips in the remote mountains of Montana and Wyoming. They also took their horses on trail rides over the years near home and in Shawnee National Forest. Jim loved riding his motorcycle and fishing. He had a special connection to the family cabin in Two Points, MN and spent time there every year, fishing and visiting the life-long friends he made there. Jim also enjoyed hunting in his earlier years and target shooting throughout his life. He also had a special knack for fixing things and “that man could fix anything”!

But most of all, Jim loved his family and his many, many friends. He had several special horses, dogs and cats over the years. Jim made friends wherever he went. He enjoyed spending time with them and reached out to them whenever he just needed to talk. He would do anything to help someone, but Jim never liked to ask for help himself. Jim had a wonderful sense of humor and could make anyone laugh and feel at ease. He would like to be remembered for that.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at the Nelson Funeral Home, 1617 North Bridge Street, Yorkville, IL. Interment will be private.

Friends may visit  from 10:00 AM until the Hour of Service on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at the Funeral Home in Yorkville, IL.

Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Home, www.NelsonFuneralHomes.com or 630-553-7611.

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