James B. Bowen, Dvm

James (Jim) B. Bowen, DVM, 76, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the Veteran’s Hospital in Providence, RI of complications from Lewy Body dementia. He was born in Providence to the late Robert L. Bowen, OD and Shirley Bowen Parent. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Donna R Bowen and his daughter, Ashley B. Bowen, his sister, Linda Dolan, and his nieces and nephews.

Jim was a graduate of East Greenwich High School, Worcester Academy, MA, the University of Rhode Island, and Universita di Milano, Milano, Italy where he obtained his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. He was a practicing veterinarian for over 40 years in RI and FL and was named twice by RI Monthly as one of the Top Ten Veterinarians in RI. He and his wife established Chariho Animal Hospital, Richmond, RI where he practiced for 18 years as well as South Bay Veterinary Clinic, Narragansett, RI for 10 years. Wanting to follow the sun and leave the cold weather, he and his wife moved to Marco Island, FL and established Island Animal Hospital where he practiced for 15 years. He recently worked for Petco in RI and FL following retirement from private practice. He truly loved his work and all the pets and their owners that he treated. He was a member of the AVMA, FLVMA and RIVMA.

In addition to his veterinary career, he was most proud of his service in Vietnam from 1969-71 in the US Army as a CWO2 AH-1 Cobra gunship pilot, 101st Airborne Division. In May 2019, then RI Congressman Jim Langevin facilitated and presented Jim’s medals of honor, military awards, and decorations he had earned while in Vietnam. Due to the chaos of the war and the US public climate at the time, James’ recognition had long been delayed. He earned and was awarded two Silver Stars, the Distinguished Flying Cross & Oak Leaf Cluster (Double), Bronze Star, Air Medal and Oak Leaf Cluster Bronze Large, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal & Bronze Star Attachment (triple), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon along with numerous Sharpshooter and Rifle badges for his courageous acts. The ceremony was truly moving.

In April 2022, Jim was inducted to EGHS’ Wall of Honor recognizing graduates for their outstanding achievements and ability to inspire future graduates. That award was funny since he was hardly an outstanding student in high school! He was, however, the ’65-’66 Basketball Co-Captain and an excellent water-skier.

Most of all Jimmy loved the open ocean, being a quahogger in EG bay from the age of 14, fishing with friends, skiing in Park City, UT, the FL beaches, taking out the inflatable on Salt Pond, golfing, eating lobster, being with his own adored Golden Retrievers, and his family. His RI home was a Noah’s Ark of pets for many years which his wife so willingly tolerated.

Because Jimmy wanted to donate his brain to science for research on Lewy Body dementia, there will be no calling hours. A private burial with military honors will be in the Rhode Island Veteran’s Cemetery, Exeter, RI.

All who knew him are invited to help celebrate his life well lived. We ask that in lieu of flowers a donation to the Burrowing Owls/Owl Watch of Marco Island, FL or the Morris Foundation for the study of Golden Retriever cancer research which Jim participated in on Marco Island would make him very happy.