James L. Bowling

Mr. James L. Bowling, 84, of Blytheville, passed from this life Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011, at Baptist East Hospital in Memphis. Born in Armorel to R. Leonard and Zora Mae Louise Battles Bowling, he was a retired truck driver for Myers Bakery, a retired farmer and a member of Trinity Baptist Church. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star. Mr. Bowling was a devoted family man who enjoyed meeting his friends at McDonalds for afternoon coffee. He was a man who required little but gave in abundance to his family and friends whom his world revolved around. His dedication to God, family and friends knew no measure. Integrity and honor were the trademarks of his life.

Mr. Bowling was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Aubrey, Elbert and Everett Bowling; and two sisters, Joan Bowling and Joyce Bowling Otten.

He leaves his wife of 58 years, Eva Alsup Bowling of the home;

His children, Ricky Bowling and wife, Vickie, of Olive Branch, Miss., James "Jimmy" Bowling of Jonesboro, Terri Bowling and Cheryl Bowling, both of Blytheville;

His grandchildren, Joshua Bowling, Jason Bowling and Jacob Bowling, all of Olive Branch;

Three sisters, Marguerite Westbrook of Acworth, Ga., and Janet Mullins and husband, Doug, of Lexington, Ky.; and

A sister-in-law, Margaret Vickery and husband, Bobby, of St. Cloud, Fla..

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the Cobb Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Mike Welch officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. today at Cobb Funeral Home. Condolences may be e-mailed to cobbfuneralhome@sbcglobal.net