James E. Bowsher

EVANS, GA - Dr. James (“Jim”) E. Bowsher, PhD, 64, of Durham, NC, passed away suddenly and peacefully on December 3, 2022, in Kunshan, China. Jim grew up in Augusta, GA and graduated from Evans High School in 1976. He completed his undergraduate degree at Davidson College and obtained his doctorate degree in Physics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His extensive career with Duke Medical University spanned more than thirty years with a focus in medical physics, research, and academia.

At the time of his passing, Jim was an Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Medical Physics program at Duke Kunshan University located in Kunshan, Jiangsu, China. He was one of the longest serving faculty members and was highly respected by his students from across the world, his colleagues, friends, and family. Jim was extremely instrumental in the development and success of the graduate program and because of his deep commitment to the program, his students and the teaching profession, he received honors at Duke Kunshan University and beyond, including the university's Teaching of Excellence award and the Foreign Scholar Award from the Jiangsu Provincial Government.
Outside of work, Jim enjoyed a love of music, playing guitar, spending time with friends and family, hiking and supporting environmental conservation. He was incredibly kind with a great sense of humor, optimistic view of life and zeal for helping others. He will be dearly missed.

Jim is survived by his loving father and stepmother, Dr. H. Fred Bowsher, Jr. (Linda), two adoring sisters, Jennifer Baden (Joe), Janet B. Howser (Onley), seven nieces and nephews, and his partner, Linda Anderson. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Dr. Juanita Bowsher.

In celebration of Jim’s life, a memorial service will be held in Augusta, GA at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Road, on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 3:00pm. Visitation with the family will take place one hour preceding and one hour following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Nature Conservancy.