Music, Memories and Monarchs:
The Simple Joys that Keep Jim Thriving at 93

If you’re looking for a thoughtful conversation about dairy farming, real estate, country music, or even the plight of the Monarch butterfly, Jim is your man.

Jim has lived a life of unexpected chapters. One of the more unique? He owned a wholesale bait business for six years, delivering minnows, worms, crawdads, goldfish and catfish to bait shops around three lakes in central Missouri.

But what really gives Jim a sparkle in his eye is discussing his two passions, music and his family.

He met the love of his life, DeLores while working at The Kraft Heinz Company in Minnesota. Together, they raised two daughters, Lynn and Mary. Throughout the years, Jim and his family have lived in seven states, including Tennessee where he had first-hand access to up-and-coming country music talent, including Bud Logan, a musician who was part of Gentleman Jim Reeves’ inner circle.

“A few years ago, here at Bowman, I started a program called ‘Grounded in Sound’,” said Jim. “In the program, we focus on a particular musical artist. We talk about their background, their career and their awards – then listen to a few songs. After that, we invite others to share requests. It’s quite enjoyable.”

Jim feels very strongly that music is medicine, even displaying a favorite quote from Plato in his apartment:

“Music is moral law. It gives a soul to the Universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, a charm to sadness, gaiety and life to everything. It is the essence of order and leads to all that is good and just and beautiful.”

“I believe music has helped me keep a strong memory,” said Jim. “Studies from places like Harvard have shown that music can have a positive effect on memory and cognitive health. Music helps take your mind off worries. It gives you something uplifting to focus on.”

At 93, Jim is still smiling and staying active, participating in yoga and the walking club. Perhaps stemming from his background growing up on a dairy farm, Jim also has always been passionate about wildlife — in particular butterflies. He’s cultivated a small monarch butterfly sanctuary on the grounds at Bowman Place, planting several butterfly bushes and milkweed plants that support and strengthen the local Bedford butterfly population.

“Music and butterflies — those two things keep me very happy.”

Bowman Place continues to expand its outdoor space, adding a gazebo, putting green and extending its patio, giving its residents and resident butterflies plenty of room to flutter and putter about in the fresh air.