James Pearlie "J P" Bowlin, 95, of McKinney, TX (formerly of Smithdale, MS) passed away on January 12, 2024, at Texoma Medical Center in Denison, TX.

Visitation will be Tuesday January 23, 2024, from 10 AM until services at 11 AM at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Smithdale, MS. Rev. Ted Bowlin, Rev. Dr. John Moody and Rev. Eric Moak will officiate. Burial will be in the Ebenezer Methodist Church cemetery in McCall Creek, MS. Hartman-Jones Funeral Home of McComb will be in charge of arrangements.

Pearlie was born on March 6, 1928, in Smithdale, MS. He was the son of the late William Lee Bowlin, Jr., and Rettie Mae Jernigan Bowlin.
Pearlie was raised in Franklin County and upon graduation from high school in Meadville, MS, he went to serve in the United States Navy. After marrying Morese, the love of his life, he worked until early retirement at Armstrong Tire in Natchez, MS. He returned to Franklin County and built their retirement home with his own hands and eventually started J P Bowlin Construction. Pearlie was a long-time member of First Baptist Church McComb and Mt. Olive Baptist Church, and served as Deacon for over 60 years. He loved to read the Bible, and with the spiritual gift of evangelism, it was his greatest wish to see all come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. He had a great sense of humor and loved to joke and tease with all those who were dear to him. Pearlie's greatest joy in this life was being "Grandpa" to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by those who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his wife of almost 70 years, Morese; his parents; his son Sammy Bowlin, five sisters: Hazel Donaldson, Georgia Thornton, Doris Deas, Hilda Ham, Marguerite Pringle, and two brothers, John and Claude.

He is survived by his daughter Beckie Bowlin Moody (John) of McKinney, TX, daughter in-law Dorcus Bowlin; three grandchildren Ashley Moody Hardin (Wes), Nicole Bowlin (fiancé Judd Blades) and Dr. Marvin Cortez Bowlin; seven great-grandchildren Kaitlin, Seth, Rosalyn, Warren, Jace, Avery and Connor; sister-in-law Nell Bowlin, brother-in-law Al Pringle plus numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Dr. Marvin Cortez Bowlin, Steve Bowlin, Nathan Wells, Jasper Seale, Jimmy McGehee and Carl Wilson.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jace McAllister, Seth Blades, Warren Blades and Connor James Hardin.
The family wishes to thank the Veterans Administration staff, Touching Hearts at Home, and caregivers Judy Olney, Yvette Leon and Teri Van Stavern for the loving care they provided while Pearlie was living in Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please support missions at your local church.