James Rodney Bowling, 72 of 6400 Rich Patch Road, Covington, Virginia, died Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at his residence.

He was born September 22, 1942 in Huddleston, VA, the son of the late Jesse and Ella Estelle Johnson Bowling.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by two brothers, John Martin Jr. and Gerald Bowling, a second mother, Inez M. Craft, and his beloved dog, Teddi.

James served his country in the United States Marine Corps.

He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish and enjoyed going fishing with Judy to Lake Anna and Bugs Island. When he wasn't outside, he loved spending time with his grandchildren and watching NASCAR. To those who worked with him, he was known as "Clutch", but to his grandchildren he answered to "Paw Paw James".

Surviving are his life partner of 35 years, Judith C. Persinger of Covington; two sons, James Bowling Jr. and wife, Jesse of Christiansburg, and Chad E. Bowling and wife, Michelle of Covington; one step son, Chris Persinger and wife, Jamie of Covington; four grandsons, Nicholas Bowling and Brian Bowling, Dustin Persinger and Trevor Persinger, all of Covington; one sister, Barbara Jett of Fredericksburg; two brothers, Bernard Bowling, and Aubrey Bowling and his wife, Pat, both of Covington; a special brother in law and wood cutting buddy, Harold W. Craft; one uncle and a number of aunts, nieces, nephews, and countless friends and extended family.

In keeping with his wish to help further research in diabetes and heart related illness, James' body has been donated to science.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Arritt Funeral Home with the Rev. Raymond Christian officiating assisted by Rev. J. B. Broughman.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Bowling's name to the American Heart Association, Attn: Joy Weeks, 2212 Dressler Dr., Covington, VA 24426, or the American Diabetes Association at 4335 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060.