Obituary of Philip J. Bow

BROCTON - Philip J. “Jimbo” Bow, age 72, of Pearl Street, Brocton passed away peacefully Saturday evening, October 6, 2012 at home surrounded by his loving family following an extended illness. “Jimbo” was born on May 3, 1940 in Clarence Center, NY, the son of the late Philip J. and Helen Marie (Martin) Bow. He had been a Brocton resident for the Past 36 years and is a retired self employed general contractor. Jimbo was a Marine Corp Veteran and a Veteran of the National Guard where he served for a combined 28 years. He completed the Navy School of Music and was the founder of the 199th Army Band of WNY Detachment. Jimbo was an accomplished musician and a former member of the Deutschmeister Band of Westfield. With a love for his country and his fellow veterans, he volunteered to play Taps for many funerals all over NYS with the NY National Guard Honor Guard and for the John W. Dill American Legion Post. Jimbo volunteered countless hours to the Legion and was a Past Commander and also held various positions within the Legion because of his love and respect for the American Legion and everything that it stands for. He was a member of the Chautauqua County Color Guard and was an instructor for the Empire State Military Academy. He played a vital part in bringing the Vietnam Moving Wall to Brocton along with the 42nd Division Army Band. All who knew Jimbo understands he always faithfully gave 110 percent. Music was a very big part of his life and he taught many students to appreciate music. After his retirement he became an avid golfer. Loyalty to his country and family was something Jimbo lived by and loved. He had a soft spot in his heart for his loyal canine, Maxine. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Beth (Heimburg) Bow, whom he married on December 20, 1969 in Derby, NY, and by his three daughters: Jena A. (David) Willebrandt of Brocton, NY, Tracy M. (Allan) Katipunan of Jacksonville, FL and Mary E. Bow of Buffalo, NY as well as his two sons: James A. "Tony" (Lisa) Bow of Hamburg, NY, Joseph A. Bow of Cheektowaga, NY. Jimbo was the proud grandfather of 15 wonderful grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister Rosamond. No Funeral Services will be held at this time. A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Chautauqua County, 20 West Fairmont Avenue, Lakewood, NY 14750 or to the John W. Dill Post 434 American Legion, 110 West Main St. Brocton, NY, 14716 to benefit the Veterans Fund. Log on to www.masonfuneral.com to send the Bow family a message of sympathy.