John A. Bowles

WINCHENDON – John A. ‘Jake” Bowles, 65, of 3 Otter River Road, died unexpectedly Tuesday evening, May 26, 2020 in Heywood Hospital, Gardner.

He was born in Boston on November 16, 1954, son of the late James and Laura Jeanne (Robichaud) Bowles and grew up in Norton and Acton.  Jake was a graduate of Waltham Technical School.

For many years, Jake owned and operated Jake’s Auto Body in Littleton.  He was loved by his customers for his honest, loyal service and work ethic. Jake and Diana loved traveling. They honeymooned in Colorado and Arizona and loved the Grand Canyon. They took many trips before having children. He was a wonderful husband. He enjoyed restoring cars and motorcycles and riding them. He loved watching Westerns, Action films, Restoring Cars and Antiques. Jake and family enjoyed holiday's and special events with extended families. He loved fishing, camping and boating. He loved being at home by the pool. Jake and family took many trips to Florida, Nova Scotia, Galveston Texas and along the New Hampshire Coast. Jake had a motto" Work Hard, Play Hard" and he lived by this.

He leaves his wife of 30 years, Diana M. (Holland) Bowles; two children, John Anthony Bowles of Derry, NH and Emily Anne Bowles of Winchendon; his stepfather Ronald Murray of Mystic, CT; his brothers and sisters, James Bowles 3rd of Boston, Paul Daniel Bowles of Sudbury, Valerie Gaito of West Newbury; four step brothers and step sisters, Ronald Murray of Mystic, CT, Neil Murray of Shelbourne Mass, Laurie Murray formerly of Boston Mass, Cynthia Robinson of Boxborough and many nieces and nephews.  A sister, Michelle Murray- Lauritzen preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be held at a later date in Stone-Ladeau Funeral home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon.

Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Winchendon.

Memorial donations may be made to American Diabetes Association, 260 Cochituate Road #200, Framingham, MA 01701.

www.stone-ladeau.com