J Clark Bowling, 86, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2025, in Lake Mary, FL, surrounded by his loving wife and devoted family. Born November 13, 1938, in Drumright, OK, he was the youngest son of the late Leonard and Vivian Bowling. Also preceding him in death were brothers, William and Robert, and sister, Betty Sue (Melton).

J spent much of his childhood in Barnsdall and Tulsa, OK, after his family moved to various oil fields throughout Oklahoma for his dad's work with Shell Oil. After graduating from high school in Oklahoma City, J attended Central State College (University of Central Oklahoma) in Edmond, OK, and graduated with a degree in Business Administration in 1961. While attending college, J eloped with his sweetheart, Kathryn (Kathy) Marrinan, in 1957. As only teenagers when they got married, J used to joke, "It's just a teenage marriage, it will never last." After 67 beautiful years of life together, it's safe to say, it lasted.

J and Kathy were blessed with 2 daughters, Carrie and Susan, and a son, J Scott. Throughout his life, J strived to provide and care for his family. He never stopped working to ensure his family was well taken care of and graduated from college, to which his career served as a testament.

J took pride working in a Sears paint department until 1963, when he accepted a job in Detroit at Ford Motor Company as an accountant. However, his career truly began in 1966 when he accepted a position with Johnson & Johnson (J&J), setting up the accounting system for a manufacturing assembly plant in Wichita Falls, TX. His career was marked by numerous promotions with J&J companies and a notable 11 relocations for the company. After 28 years, he retired from J&J as the VP of Manufacturing for Critikon, Tampa, FL. But, J wasn't quite ready to retire and continued strategic planning consultation for 5 more years.

J and Kathy moved to Mount Dora, FL, in 1994, to enjoy their life after retirement. Having a passion for volunteerism and giving back to his community, J served on several non-profit boards. His heart for creating opportunities for people challenged with physical and mental disabilities started in Tampa, where he served as board member and chairman for Abilities of Florida board of directors. He received the J&J Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Award for his work in 1989. His dedication continued as board member and chairman of the board for SunriseArc of Lake County, Inc. for over 15 years. He also served on the board of the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Florida and the IceHouse Theatre in Mount Dora. J joined the J&J Retirees' Club of Florida, in 1995, and served as President, starting in 2009, for several years.

As a lifelong golfer, J enjoyed many rounds with Kathy and friends at the Country Club of Mount Dora. He and Kathy volunteered for the Arnold Palmer Invitational. One of his favorite memories was shaking hands with his golf hero, Arnold Palmer. He and Kathy were members of the Mount Dora Yacht Club. His love for old classic country music favorites will be remembered fondly by his family.

While J was a beloved husband and father, he was also a truly cherished "Papa/Poppy". He had four granddaughters, Megan, Kaitlyn, Delaney, and Taylor, and a grandson, James. He instilled in each one of his family members a sense of devotion to family. His family was his most cherished possession and his greatest accomplishment. He never missed an opportunity to give hugs full of pride and love.

J is survived by his wife, Kathryn (Kathy), his daughters, Carrie Fish (Joe Roberts) of Mount Dora, Susan Walls (Jon) of Orlando, his son, J Scott (Karen) of Orlando, and grandchildren, Megan Dempsey (John Sensback), Kaitlyn Dempsey, Delaney Bowling, Taylor Bowling, and James Walls.

The family would like to give heartfelt appreciation to the caregivers and nurses of Sonata Lake Mary, ComForCare and AdventHealth Hospice for their love and dedication to J's care over the last 8 months.

A family visitation will be held at 1pm on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Allen J. Harden Funeral Home, located at 1800 N. Donnelly Street, Mount Dora, Florida, 32757. A Funeral Service will be held at the same location and will take place at 2pm, followed by a private interment at Pine Forest Cemetery.

Flowers are welcome at the service or if you would prefer to make a donation in J's name, please donate to Parkinson Association of Central Florida at https://www.parkinsoncf.org/donate or The ARC of Sunrise Central Florida at https://thearcsunriseofcentralflorida.harnessgiving.org/donate

Arrangements are under the careful care of Allen J. Harden Funeral Home.