10/02/2026
I just learned that Jimbo Bower passed away today. He and Judy have been members of the Turkeyfoot Historical Society for a long time. And for many of us, he was first a favorite teacher and later a friend. He will be missed!
James A. “Jimbo/Coach” Bower, 84, of Confluence, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born May 1, 1942, in Ursina, Pennsylvania, Jimbo was the son of the late James E. Bower and Faye Elizabeth (Critchfield) Bower.
He was a proud Turkeyfoot Valley Ram, where he graduated and played football, basketball, and baseball. He went on to graduate from California University of Pennsylvania before returning home to teach and coach at his beloved alma mater. For 24 years, Jimbo dedicated himself to the students and athletes of Turkeyfoot Valley, serving as a teacher, coach, and Athletic Director. He then continued his teaching and coaching career with the Somerset Area School District for 13 years. Throughout his career, Jimbo formed lifelong friendships with countless students, athletes, colleagues, and fellow coaches. There are simply too many to name, but each held a special place in his heart. His love for Turkeyfoot Valley and the Confluence community remained a defining part of his life.
Above all else, what Jimbo was most proud of was his family. He would unapologetically talk about his children and grandchildren to anyone who would listen, and there was never any doubt how much they meant to him. He took tremendous pride in their accomplishments, their families, and the people they had become. He instilled in his children and grandchildren a love of travel and a sense of adventure, encouraging them to see the world, experience new places, and make memories along the way. Jimbo also loved and adored his many nieces and nephews. He cherished the time he spent with them and loved making memories with all of them. He was famous for telling his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews his made-up stories, in which he was, of course, always the hero. Those stories, told with his characteristic humor and imagination, became cherished memories for the children who heard them.
Jimbo was always an advocate for the well-being of children. Throughout his life, his home was a place where kids were welcomed, encouraged, and given a place to simply be kids. It was not unusual to find countless children playing ball in his backyard or enjoying the homemade ice rink he built for his grandchildren and children from the neighborhood. He believed in the importance of children having opportunities to play, explore, compete, laugh, and make memories. He had a friendly competitive spirit and could turn just about anything into a contest, always with a smile and plenty of laughter. His backyard became a gathering place for generations of young people, and he made a lasting impression on countless children—not only as a teacher and coach, but as someone who genuinely cared about them.
Jimbo had a true love for adventure and staying active. Some of his favorite activities included swimming across Youghiogheny Lake until the age of 81, riding his bicycle and x-country skiing along the Great Allegheny Passage, and snorkeling in the Florida Keys. He was also an active member of the Mountain Boat Club, where he made many lasting friendships and created countless memories. Whether close to home or exploring somewhere new, he embraced every opportunity to experience life, make memories, and enjoy the people around him. His adventurous spirit was something he proudly passed on to his children and grandchildren. Jimbo’s motto was simple: “This is Livin’.” It was more than just a saying—it reflected the way he approached life. He found joy in his family, his friends, travel, sports, his students, and the countless memories he made along the way.
Jimbo is survived by his loving wife “Juge”, Judith Ann “Judy” (Holliday) Bower; his sons, Jim Bower and wife Dale, and Mark Bower and wife Sheila; his grandchildren, Nathaniel Bower and wife Mandy, Bryan Bower and wife Brittany, U.S. Air Force Captain Jacob Bower and wife Emma, U.S. Marine Corps Captain Tanner Bower, and Grace Bower; and his great-grandchildren, Kinslee Bower, Noah Bower, and Jordyn Bower. He is also survived by his sister, Elizabeth “Boots” Collins; his brother, Thomas “Tom” Bower and wife Lindy; his brother-in-law, Harold Thomas, sister-in-law, Bobbi Bower; and his in-law brothers and sister, Dave Holliday, Mike Holliday, Tom Holliday and wife Lisa, and Shari Yediny and husband John. He is also survived by his many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and lifelong friends.
Jimbo was preceded in death by his parents, James E. and Faye Elizabeth (Critchfield) Bower; his parents-in-law, Robert E. “Bob” and Pauline Holliday; his siblings, Joseph “Joe” Bower, Margaret “Peg” Thomas, infant brother David Bower, brother-in-law Tom Collins; and his grandson, U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Samuel “Sammy” King. Jimbo spent the last two years of his life at Rest Assured Living Center and The Patriot Village, where he was cared for by many dedicated and compassionate caregivers. In his final days, he also received care from UPMC Family Hospice. His family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the countless caregivers who provided Jimbo with kindness, compassion, dignity, and loving care throughout the final chapter of his life.
Jimbo spent his final days and hours with his loving wife, Judy, his sons, Jim and Mark, and his devoted brother, Tom, at his side, surrounded by the love of his family and the prayers of those who cared so deeply for him.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Jimbo’s honor and memory in the summer of 2027. Family and friends will be invited to gather, celebrate his life, and share their favorite “Jimbo” stories and memories. Details will be shared at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Somerset County Parks and Trails Fund “Jimbo Bower GAP Picnic Area Project” at the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies. Contributions may be made online at www.cfalleghenies.org, or mailed to: Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, 216 Franklin Street, Suite 400, Johnstown, PA 15901.
