Many ask the question, "What is my purpose? Why am I here?" 

Jack Bow knew his purpose, and never wavered in his earthly task. He knew why he was here all the way to the day he was called home on Aug. 2, 2018. His task was to humble himself before God and to serve others, and above all, to love. While he healed people with medicine for over 60 years at his pharmacy, City Drug Store, he also healed people with his kind nature, giving character, compassion, patience, and ability to see possibility in everyone. He blessed the lives of all who knew him, if not by giving of his time and wisdom, then by being an example of unwavering faith in God.

Jack Thomas Bow was born to Robert and Zoe Izora Bow on Aug. 12, 1930, in San Angelo, Texas. His mother was from Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, a fact that spurred his fondness for Groundhog Day. Family and friends would send him well wishes, cards, and gifts of blueberry anything each February.

Both athletic and studious, Jack attended Odessa Permian High School, but moved to Alpine, Texas, his junior year and graduated from Alpine High School. He played football, and was small but fast, and fondly referred to as "Little Jack Bough" - incorrectly pronounced.

He attended Baylor University, but graduated from Sul Ross State University. After college, he followed his father's footsteps and went to pharmacy school. He graduated from the College of Pharmacy at the University of Texas in Austin with Kappa Psi honors, and immediately took over the family business, City Drug Store, a town landmark that served more than medicine and gifts, providing a place for townspeople to gather, be welcomed, and enjoy the company of small town citizens.

Many people well remember Jack Bow and Jimmy Smith smiling behind the pharmacy counter, and the pimento cheese and milkshakes at the old fashioned soda fountain. He could often be seen delivering prescriptions in the middle of the night or the early morning hours locally or as far away as Presidio.  It was not a burden or an obligation - it was his calling.  

Jack married Sara Bow in 1976. They had five children, Claire Bow of Austin, Texas; Ellen McRae of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Jacque Bow Rousselow of Alpine; Chris Henderson of Austin; and Kathleen Burnett of Brownwood, Texas. He had five grandchildren, Christian and Tatum DeHart and Leighton Burnett of Brownwood, Kennedy Burnett and Aven Henderson of Austin, and one on the way, Roam Jaeger Bow Rousselow.

As a loving and patient parent, Jack never took his job as father lightly. As he would do for anyone, he was always available anytime, anywhere for all his children, giving support, sharing his wisdom, guiding, nurturing, and lifting spirits with his positive demeanor and gentle nature. You would often see him counseling a child or friend in need by the pharmacy at the store. 

In addition to a long and successful career as a pharmacist, Jack led a remarkable life of community service. He was a member of the Alpine Lions Club where he served as president, and an Ambassador and on the Board of Directors for the Alpine Chamber of Commerce. He was awarded Ambassador of the Year in 2015, and he faithfully delivered Meals on Wheels for more than 10 years. His great wisdom gained him an appointment to the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature and the International Good Neighbor Counsel.

In 2011, he was given the prestigious award of Citizen of the Year by the Alpine Chamber of Commerce, and was a recipient of the Jeanette Bowers Volunteer of the Year award. He served as deacon and on numerous committees throughout his over 60 years of attendance at First Baptist Church in Alpine.    

After retiring from work as a pharmacist, Jack continued community service and stayed active and busy with his wife, Sara. They often opened their home to friends and the community to gather, celebrate, and make memories. Their house also served as home to Jack's many well-fed hummingbirds.

His lifetime of dedication and self-sacrifice serves as a monument to the exemplary man he was. His humility, integrity, and hard work will continue to inspire those who knew him for many years to come.