James Bowlin

James Olanders Bowlin was born on June 6, 1970 in San Diego, CA. He was the only child born to Paula
Ann Jones and Samuel Coleman, Jr. James was a fun-loving and active child. He attended grade school,
secondary school and Hoover High School in San Diego Unified School District. He graduated from
Garfield High School.
James accepted Christ at an early age and enjoyed attending church and reading scripture.
Anyone who met James soon realized what a talkative and intelligent man he was. He was always
thinking ahead and coming up with ideas and ways to improve his circumstance and his family’s well-
being. He worked for several years as a Blood Mobile driver, bringing hope and life-saving blood to
many San Diego citizens in need. He later became a cross country truck driver and took great pride for
covering 48 states during his career.
In June 2013, James met the love of his life, his Wife, Renee Salazar. They enjoyed spending quality
family time together with their boys, Maliki, James Jr. (JJ) and his beloved dog, Homer. Additionally,
James was an avid chess player and master at the BBQ grill. He also enjoyed listening to old-school R &
B music, playing cards, games and taking an occasional trip to the local casino. James loved people and
whenever he could he would stop and help out the homeless around the city. James had a special
appreciation and love for his grandparents who loved and supported him throughout his lifetime.
On Friday, August 4, James went from labor to his reward, and is now resting with our Father in heaven.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Paula Ann Jones; father, Samuel Coleman, Jr. and
Grandmother, Helen Dallas. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Renee, his children: Mac Smith,
Maliki and James Jr. (JJ), his Grandfather, Olanders Dallas, Aunts Brenda Akaigbe (Frankie), Joyce
Cattenhead; his brother, Sam Coleman, Jr., sisters, Latrice Booker-Coleman, Sherell Coleman-Carter, and
Lakisha Coleman; as well as a host of relatives and friends who will miss him but never forget him.

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