James E. and Carol A. Bowe established the John P. Bowe Memorial Scholarship for the benefit of graduating Pleasant Valley seniors, to honor and remember James’ brother, John; a kind and gentle soul, who was born a few years too early.

Born August 23, 1948, John was severely mentally handicapped and somewhat physically impaired due to a condition which labeled him an “RH baby.” Parents with opposite blood antigens (one positive, one negative) can produce offspring with this condition unless the fetus is transfused in the womb to match the mother’s antigen. This knowledge, and the procedure to correct the condition, came a few years too late for John.

John’s early years were unpleasant for the Bowe family. As his damaged brain lashed out with violence, crying, breaking material things, and the frustration of knowing he wasn’t like everyone else, the stress within the family was constant. There were a few times when John could be loving and gentle, and he attached himself to the Bowe family’s hearts.

At age 12, John went to live at the Glenwood State Hospital for the Handicapped. After several moves, he found the home he loved in 1994 at the Handicapped Development Residential Center in Davenport. The HDC became his second family and, though hampered by his lack of verbal skills, he soon became a favorite of the staff. The love they had for him showed in the care they gave him.

John’s death came suddenly and tragically when he choked on a mid-morning snack at the HDC workshop. They were unable to clear his airway and he was without oxygen for too long. Three days later, on July 31, 2008, he passed away quietly at Genesis West.

John P. Bowe was a man who was never in the public eye; a man who never had the chance to achieve greatness, to have a family, to build a legacy. The love of all who knew him will be in his legacy, as well as this scholarship which will bear his name forever.

I congratulate those of you who will benefit from this scholarship. We hope it is the spark that ignites your fire for learning. When difficult times come, and they do in all of our lives, think of my brother, John, and maybe your hurdles will seem a little less tall.

Story contributed by James and Carol Bowe.

Scholarships and Loans

A Scholarship Fund is a wonderful way to honor or memorialize someone special. The gift of education that it bestows is a permanent tribute to the person or organization for which it is named, and you can remain personally involved in selecting the students to receive your scholarship. Educational Loans provide additional financial assistance to students and their families trying to pay for college.