James I. "Jim" Bowlin

James I. "Jim" Bowlin, 84, longtime Arthur County rancher, died Tuesday, February 3, 2015, in his home. Jim was born December 23, 1930 in Walcott, Arkansas, the son of Roy I. and Rosa Lee (Elliott) Bowlin. He grew up on a farm north of Walcott. When he was 18 he came to Nebraska to pursue his dream of being a cowboy. He started his ranching career working for Bill Smith. The Smiths became life-long friends. Jim was united in marriage to Phyllis Hild on August 2, 1951. Jim worked at Frank's Farm Equipment and various ranch jobs in the early years of their marriage. In 1958 they moved to Arthur to work for Meyers Land & Cattle Co. They lived at Box Lake Ranch, later moving to the Sillasen Ranch. In 1963 Jim and Phyllis moved into Arthur. Jim worked for Ray Kramer and did custom haying. In 1965 Jim was appointed to finish Ray Kramer's term as Arthur County sheriff, then was elected, holding that office for thirteen years. In 1973 they moved to the Mahlon Johnson place where he ranched. In 1985 they moved to the Ted Frye Ranch were he continued to reside. Jim continued custom haying for the Triangle Ranch. Jim worked hard to achieve his dream of building a good herd and his own ranch. He was awarded the 2014 Rancher of the Year, Eldon Peterson Memorial Award. Preceding him in death were two brothers Lawrence Bowlin and Alton Bowlin. Survivors include his wife Phyllis Bowlin of Arthur; his son Neil (Shelley) Bowlin of Gurley; two daughters: Carolyn (Red) Cerny of Arthur; and Ronda (Alan) Haumann of Thedford; one sister Ruth Ann Pollock of Paragould, AR.; four grandchildren: Charlene Cerny of San Diego, Cal.; Mikki Cerny of Kearney; Brook (Beau) Huffman of Hastings; and D.J. Haumann of Thedford. and five great-grandchildren: Crystal and Tyler Gleason, Alexandria and Gabriella Marquez, and Saffron Huffman; and a great-great-grandson Logan Soto. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Thursday, Feb. 5, from Noon to 5 p.m. in Draucker Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be Friday, Feb. 6, at 2 p.m. in the Arthur High School Gymnasium. Rev. Paul Kondy will officiate. A memorial has been established in his name.

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