James Richardson Bowling, 81

CAMDEN - Retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. James R. Bowling, of Camden, passed away Tuesday, April 1, 2008, in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was 81.

James was born Sept. 13, 1926, in Murfreesboro, Tenn., son of the late John and Beatrice (Kelton) Bowling.

He proudly and faithfully served his country for 30 years. He served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater during World War II and in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean and Vietnam wars.

He flew on many humanitarian airlift missions worldwide during his military career. He was assigned as a member of the crew that delivered the first C-5A from the factory in Marietta, Ga., to Dover Air Force Base in April 1971. His last duty assignment was as Aircraft Loadmaster Superintendent in the 9th MAS at Dover Air Force Base. As resource manager, he was responsible for supervising more than 100 loadmasters assigned to the squadron.

James was the recipient of many awards and decorations during his distinguished military career, including the Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Medal. During his career, he accrued more than 10,000 accident-free flying hours on the C-124, C-141 and C-5A aircrafts.

After his military career, he worked for the Port of Wilmington for DelMonte Co. and later for Trophy Hut, Dover.

Upon full retirement, he volunteered for Dover Air Force Base.

He loved to walk, was an avid reader and enjoyed history and biographies.

James was a member of Whatcoat United Methodist Church.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Zadie Key and Cathy Locker.

He is survived by his loving wife, Betty Jo Bowling; a son, Norman Everett of Tennessee; a sister, Elizabeth Crane of Clearwater, Fla.; a niece, Patti Coldiron and her husband Otto; special friends, John and Susan; and an extended family of nieces, nephews and friends.

Services will be 11 a.m. Monday at Pippin Funeral Home, 119 W. Camden-Wyoming Ave., Wyoming, where friends may call one hour before services.

Burial with full military honors will be in Sharon Hills Memorial Park, Dover.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Delaware Hospice, 911 S. DuPont Highway, Lotus Plaza, Dover, DE 19901.

Letters of condolences may be sent via www.pippinfuneralhome.com.