John Brite Bowker

Sacramento, California - John Brite Bowker (Jack) passed away on December 8, 2024, at the age of 102, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Santa Monica, CA on September 26, 1922, to Walter King Bowker, Jr. and Ruby Brite Bowker, Jack was a third-generation Californian. He grew up in Calexico, CA (Imperial Valley) with his older brother Walter King Bowker III and younger sister Joan Bowker.

Jack graduated from Calexico Union High School in 1940, excelling in both academics and athletics. He played football, basketball, and tennis. Jack and Walter became very competitive tennis players in the region and qualified to play select tournaments at the Los Angeles Tennis Club. In his senior year, Jack was named captain of the All-American basketball team and All-Valley quarterback in football.

After receiving an academic scholarship to Cal Berkeley, where he joined Phi Delta Gamma fraternity, Jack's college experience was interrupted by World War II. He enrolled in ROTC and graduated from Officer Training School as a Second Lieutenant. Sent to the China-Burma-India Theatre in late 1944, Jack served under the American Commanding General, supplying ordnance throughout the China Theatre. He was promoted to First Lieutenant before being discharged in 1946.

Returning to Cal, Jack played rugby, with his team earning a spot in the Cal Hall of Fame. It was during this time that he met his best friend and love of his life, Georgene Marie Williams from Sacramento. Georgene rekindled Jack's passion for tennis, which continued throughout their lives. Jack graduated in 1949 with a degree in Industrial Engineering.

Jack and Georgene married in 1950 and settled in Sacramento. He began working in Georgene's father's, Eugene L. Williams, real estate company, later forming Williams-Bowker Company with Georgene's brother, John L. Williams, in 1954. As their business grew, so did their tennis partnership, with Jack and John winning several tournaments, including the National Doubles 35's Hardcourt Championships. Throughout their 62-year marriage, Jack and Georgene enjoyed vacationing in Carmel-by-the-Sea, playing tennis, golfing at Del Paso Country Club, and skiing with family and friends.

Jack was deeply involved in his community, participating in organizations such as Sacramento Rotary, YMCA, Boy Scouts, Chamber of Commerce, Sacramento Association of Realtors, Grandfather Club, Pioneer Association, Prayer Breakfast, Sutter Lawn Tennis Club, Del Paso Country Club, and the Sutter Club. He led a highly respected business while being an incredible family man. Jack's family meant everything to him. He always maintained a positive outlook on life and would encourage one to “persevere” and make each day count. He held the belief that one person can make a big difference and he did. 

Jack is survived by his children Brite Bowker (Chris), Susan Hobson, and Kathy Metzger (Mike); six grandchildren: John Bowker, Michelle Leister (Chris), Kent Hobson, Jeffrey Hobson (Paige), Mike Metzger, Jr. (Jackie), and Patrick Metzger (Mike Dunn); and seven great-grandchildren: Sadie Leister, Scott Leister, Mason Hobson, Mabel Hobson, Emory Hobson, Madison Metzger, and Harper Metzger.

He has joined his loving wife, Georgene, his parents Walter and Ruby Bowker, his brother Walter Bowker, and sister Joan Bowker DeYager.

A Celebration of Life will be held in honor of Jack on January 12th at 1:00 pm at the Sutter Club, located at 1220 9th Street, Sacramento, CA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to the charity of your choice.

Jack will be dearly missed by all who knew him and the incredible legacy and example he set will live on.