JACK P. BOWEN, Jr.

February 20, 1951 to May 9, 2026

Jack Paul Bowen Jr. died May 9, 2026 at his home in Sedro-Woolley, Washington surrounded by his devoted family.  He was 75 years old.  Jack was born February 20, 1951 in Sedro-Woolley, to parents, Jack P. Bowen Sr. and Virginia Boome Bowen, both of whom preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carol A. Bowen; his children, their spouses and their children; Mary L. True (Mike), children Richard J. Baker and Jordan True; Janet V. Yarcho (Aaron) children Justeen, Mason, Aiden and Jesslyn Bowen and Alex B. Bowen (Kendall) and children Riley, Lincoln, Vivian and Jasmine Bowen; all of whom reside in Sedro-Woolley.  He is also survived by his sisters and brothers and their spouses Regina B.J.M Fredberg (Steve) of Sedro-Woolley; Jay R. Bowen of Chama, New Mexico; M. Kay Knott of Burlington, WA; and Joseph D. Bowen (Lindsey) of Mount Vernon, WA; nieces, nephews, grandnieces, nephews, cousins and friends which were too numerous to name and all of whom he loved equally.

He was also preceded in death by grandparents, Charlie and Regina Boome, both of whom played important roles in his life and by his brothers, John C. Bowen and Raymond J. Bowen, both of Sedro-Woolley.

Jack, a member of the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, was the eldest of seven siblings.

Jack attended Mount Vernon High School with the Class of 1970 before transferring to Anacortes High School.  He was a highly regarded athlete in multiple sports and was recruited for college football.  Jack chose to enlist in the United States Marine Corps instead, fulfilling an ambition inspired by his coach and mentor Bill McCutchin of M.V.H.S. At basic training he broke the Camp Pendleton physical fitness record.  He volunteered for service in Vietnam but wasn't chosen because a draw down of forces was then underway.  He served proudly and well until 1976, taking honorable discharge at the rank of sergeant.

Jack served as a firefighter at Whidbey N.A.S. in his civilian life.  He was also employed by the Upper Skagit in social and employment services.  But the work he took most pride in was fishing the Skagit River, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, uncles, and all of their ancestors.  In later years, he took on the task of fish buying, a crucial role in maintaining the tribal fishery.  Jack was also the proud owner of the longest standing Upper Skagit Firework stand, "Cracker Jacks".  His services and devotion to family and friends earned him the highest of respect as an elder of the Tribe.

Through it all his beloved wife, Carol stood by his side as his rock, his guide and his best friend.  Their door was always open to anyone who needed company or encouragement.  Jack and Carol created extremely close bonds to their children and grandchildren.  He will be remembered by all for his great kindness, his protective nature, his unswerving loyalty, and his sense of humor.

A Prayer Vigil will be conducted for Jack on Tuesday, May 12 at 7:00 p.m.  The Funeral will follow the next day at 10:00 a.m., both events to be held at the Upper Skagit Gymnasium in Sedro-Woolley.  Interment will follow at the Sauk Indian Cemetery.  Memorials in Jack's name may be made to the local Marine Corps League are suggested.

Please share your memories of Jack and sign the guest register.