James Bowersox's Obituary
James R. Bowersox
Waupaca, WI
Age 92 – passed away on November 16, 2010 at his residence. He was born on February 24, 1918 in Bradford, Ohio, the son of Dale and Gladys (Brubaker) Bowersox. He married Etola Quimby in September of 1957 in Waupaca, and they celebrated 53 years of marriage this year.
Jim is survived by his wife, Etola “Toni” Bowersox, daughter, Kathleen Hadley of Sturgeon Bay, son, Gary (Louise) Hansen of Stuart, VA, daughter-in-law, Susan Hansen of Waupaca, grandchildren; James (Shelly) Hansen, Jr, Michelle (Mike) Reader, Chad (Jenny) Hansen, Luke Hadley (Special Friend: Nikoleta), Josh (Melissa) Hadley, Rick (Joyce) Hansen, and Ron (Peri) Hansen, great grandchildren; Bennett, Melany, and Conner Hansen, Emery Anne, Carson Leigh, Jackson, and Samuel Reader, Alexander, Samantha, and Chad Elliot Hansen, and Nathan Hadley, and a special nephew, Dave (Donna) Bowersox. He is further survived by other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his son, James Hansen, Sr., great granddaughter, Abigail Rosalie Hansen, his parents, a sister, Virginia Bowersox, and a brother, Clarence Bowersox.
Jim was a very active member of the First United Methodist Church of Waupaca, having served as chair of every church committee at some point through the years. He had been a Sunday school teacher for twenty years, and he was very instrumental in getting the current Methodist church built. Jim served in the U.S. Army from March of 1942 until November of 1945. Following WW II he returned to Waupaca and joined the National Guard, entering as a 1st Sgt. In 1961, while a Captain in the National Guard, his Infantry Division was ordered to active duty and stationed in Fort Lewis, WA for about one year. He returned to Waupaca, and finished out his military career after serving a total of 34 years, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. Jim was also a charter member of V.F.W. Post #1037 in Waupaca which was organized in October of 1945. Jim had been a rural mail carrier with the U.S. Postal Service, retiring after 30 years. Jim was also very active in the Waupaca community, having been involved in many different clubs and organizations. He will certainly be remembered for the 50 years he spent heading up the Waupaca Fireworks displays for the 4th of July celebration, and to commemorate his service to Waupaca, Bowersox Park was named in honor of Jim. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman.
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