Julius Frank Bowles

Julius Frank Bowles, 72, born on May 2, 1941, in New Orleans, Louisiana, passed away January 23, 2014. He resided in Irvine, California at the time of his passing. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Long Beach, California.

Julius attended R.T. Danneel School, New Orleans, Louisiana; Mount Zion Lutheran School, New Orleans, Louisiana; and McDonogh 35 High School, New Orleans, Louisiana. Julius attended Southern University for one semester but subsequently dropped out of college upon the death of his father. As a resident of New Orleans Julius developed a love for Jazz and subsequently learned to play the drums. As a student he had the privilege of playing drums accompanying Aaron Neville.

Julius learned many intrinsic skills under his father's tutorage in addition to his unique problem solving abilities. From his mother he developed his deeply ingrained nurturing abilities and a special intuitive love of gardening. Julius had a unique and sometimes peculiar way of expressing his "pearls of wisdom" in his special style that would cause the recipient to pause in sheer wonder on the absolute brilliance of the moment.

His sterling integrity landed him a bonded position traveling from Louisiana to Florida to deliver automobiles. In 1962, he moved with his mother to California after other relatives moved there. Julius worked for Cormier Chevrolet, Dean Van Lines, McDonnell-Douglas, The Dow Chemical Company and Vopak, Inc.

Julius and Patricia met in the laundry room of an apartment building where they had separate apartments. They often commented that it was a "clean beginning" to a beautiful relationship. Despite their racial diversity they discovered a mutual genuine interest in similar beliefs and interests. Over a period of about a year, a deep abiding love developed between Julius and Patricia and accordingly they were married on July 6, 1974 at Christ Lutheran Church at Long Beach, California.

While Patricia was a student at Cal State Long Beach, Julius took a photography class at Long Beach City College. Julius discovered a special enjoyment taking photographs of the various plants and flowers at the newly opened Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden at CSULB. Julius also took engaging photographs of Long Beach's various landmarks.

Julius was a devoted and loving husband to Patricia and son Stirling. Despite the lengthy medical struggles that his son continues to endure - Julius was a constant beacon of strengthto his wife and son. Despite his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer on May 6, 2013, he remained optimistic carefully following doctors instructions to lengthen the quality of his life. Julius continued to offer his loving support to his wife after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2013.

A memorial service for Julius will be held at Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, CSULB. The time and date of the event TBA..

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made for the benefit of corrective esophageal surgery for his son Stirling to: The Bowles Living Trust c/o Bank of America, 4500 Barranca Parkway, Irvine, CA 92604.