WHITE TOWNSHIP, NJ — James Pennington Bowditch, civic leader, teacher, and coach, of White Township, NJ, died in his sleep on January 27, 2013. Born on November 21, 1922, in Chicago, IL, he was the ninth child of Martha Willets Bowditch and John Bowditch.

After numerous moves in Jim’s childhood, the family settled in Swarthmore, PA, where in 8th grade, he would meet his future wife, the late Barbara Nason Bowditch (2011). Jim was a star athlete at Swarthmore High School and, after graduating in 1941, he headed to Amherst College. Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps after his freshman year and spent 3 years in England and France as a radar technician. Jim and Bobbie married on August 30, 1947, and Jim finished his undergraduate degree at Swarthmore College, where he was a standout in football and lacrosse.

In 1954 Jim and Bobbie settled in Wilton, CT, where they raised two sons. Jim worked for International General Electric in NYC for 16 years before becoming a teacher, coach, and Dean of Students at Weston High School, CT. The couple helped found the Wilton Presbyterian Church and the Wilton Lacrosse program. Jim and Bobbie retired to Brunswick, ME, in 1989, and Jim became actively involved in town planning, volunteering at Mid Coast Hospital, and supporting the athletic programs at Bowdoin College.

Jim is survived by his sister, Elizabeth Bowditch Bennett, sons J. Penn Bowditch Jr. and Peter W. Bowditch, daughters in law, Maria K. Bowditch and Wendy A. Bowditch, and grandchildren Courtney, Emily, and James P. Bowditch III.

A celebratory service is planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Memorium for James P. Bowditch, Office of Development, Bowdoin College, 4100 College Station, Brunswick, ME 04011.

Arrangements are under the direction of Newbaker Funeral Home, 200 Rt 94, Blairstown, NJ.