Jeremy Hancock Bowles

In honor of his 42nd birthday, we celebrate the life and memory of our most wonderful and special husband, dad, son, brother, brother-in-law, son-in-law, nephew, cousin, uncle, and friend – JEREMY HANCOCK BOWLES

Jeremy passed away on June 7, 2026 in Hamilton, Montana at the age of 41. Jeremy was born to his loving parents, Melvin Blaine Bowles and Lorrie Loveina Venema on September 29, 1984, in Kearns, Salt Lake County, Utah. He was lovingly welcomed by his sister, Amie and his brothers, Ronnie and Joshua. A few years later, his family was rounded out by the arrival of his younger brothers, Cameron and Braden. In 1987, Jeremy’s brother, Joshua, passed away. Then in 2015, his sister, Amie, passed away.

Jeremy attended Silver Hills Elementary School in Kearns, Utah. As a toddler and throughout his entire life, Jeremy loved sports and games played with a ball! He loved Utah Jazz Basketball and was on a Junior Jazz youth team that was coached by his uncle. John Stockton and Karl Malone were star players for the Jazz during his early youth.  Karl Malone was known in the NBA as “The Mailman” because he delivered! Jeremy’s uncle and coach nicknamed Jeremy “The Mailman” because he said Jeremy also delivered! Besides basketball, Jeremy played Little League Baseball and was a member of the Astros team.

When Jeremy was ten years old, his mom and brothers moved to Pinesdale, Montana where he attended Pines Academy, Corvallis Middle School, and then Corvallis High School. He played football and basketball in middle school. In high school, his two passions were choir and basketball. Jeremy always credited his middle school basketball coach, Brett Tintzman, with teaching him the art of defense. He credited high school coach, Joel Loran, for recognizing his work ethic on the floor. These gifts never left Jeremy’s heart and mind.  

Jeremy worked hard in all aspects of his life and careers. He worked and had many jobs as a teenager and young adult. He worked at KFC and Pizza Hut. (As a young man, he learned how to cook on his dad’s “hot truck” in Utah). He was a night manager at both Albertsons and Super 1, as well as a night stocker there. When a husband and a dad, he learned concrete work, and finally the skill of dry wall, which became his trade for many years and continued up until his passing. Jeremy pursued excellence and perfection in his trade. His work ethic was second to none!

Jeremy was blessed with a beautiful singing voice. It started to develop during high school, and soon he became comfortable in sharing his talent freely. He represented Corvallis High School twice in the Montana All State Choir, and he starred as Curly in the CHS production of Oklahoma. Alongside two of his cousins, they formed a men’s a cappella group known as “REFRESH”. Through the years, Jeremy sang many solos for weddings, funerals, dances, and programs. He loved many different music genres. He especially loved the music of Christmas. But the past five or six years, his favorite music became “Praise” – songs of Jesus and His Gospel. These became his life. His faith and testimony of Jesus Christ allowed him to publicly proclaim Jesus as Lord of his life and to surrender ALL.

Jeremy had the remarkable ability to connect with people, young or old and from all walks of life.  Jeremy was known for his great BIG “Jer Bear” HUGS and for his warm and genuine smile. He had a love and zest for life. He always had an upbeat positive personality, instilling confidence in those he interacted with, especially the youth. He was a great basketball coach.  He coached in the Kids’ First leagues in the valley and the youth leagues in Pinesdale. His coaching style reinforced the fundamentals, the love of the game, and the belief that each player is an important part of the team, no matter what skill level they had. He was always the encourager, even to the players of the opposing team.

Jeremy has a rich family history of patriots and pioneers. He is a descendant of John Hancock, a famous signer of the Declaration of Independence. Other ancestors include Levi and Mosiah Hancock, John and Nathan Tanner, and James Stephens Brown. These were pioneers who crossed the plains and settled in the Salt Lake Valley.  Some served in Zion’s Camp and the Mormon Battalion. During his lifetime, Jeremy only knew one of his grandparents, his Grandma Venema. He often expressed how he was looking forward to meeting all those others who had passed on before he got to know any of them.

On March 14, 2011, Jeremy married the love of his life, Tausha Ann Larson. She brought with her a darling little son, Jason. Soon they were blessed with Joshua, Emma, and Emanuel. Through the years, their shared family time consisted of camping, hiking, 4-wheeling, kayaking, golfing, basketball, softball, disc golfing and gardening.

Besides the Gospel of Jesus Christ becoming a huge light in his life, Jeremy’s passion was his wife, Tausha, and their children. Jeremy always loved good food and became a very good cook. Jeremy was an excellent “Grill Master”. His Tri-Tip was phenomenal – the whole extended family’s favorite! One way he showed he cared for his family was by making delicious meals for them. Joshua expressed, “Dad always made food with a special ingredient – LOVE!”

Joshua misses just talking with his dad when he would get home from work as well as the many other conversations they had. He would always encourage Joshua how to improve in sports where possible. Joshua especially enjoyed the bonding he felt playing disc golf together.

One of Jason’s favorite memories is going 4-wheeling at the sand dunes with his dad, family, and friend, Alma. And he can’t forget his dad’s homemade salsa and chili verde.  

Manny stated that his dad was always happy. A special memory for him this past winter is when they built an igloo and then snuggled down in it together. He is now grateful for the photos to remember that day.

Emma Ann, his precious daughter, was privileged to have Jeremy as her date the past two years for the “Daddy Daughter Date Dance”. He surprised her with a beautiful corsage. Emma, always being her dad’s nurse, lovingly helped him when he needed help with his wound care and kept him in fresh ice water and a fresh ice pack when he needed them.

Jeremy was known by many names: Dad, Jeremy, Son, Jer, Brother, Uncle Jer, Jer Bear, and others. Jeremy experienced some health challenges in the past few years, but he NEVER complained.  He just pushed through, and no one ever knew.

Jeremy’s funeral was held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Hamilton, Montana where nearly 600 friends and family gathered to pay tribute to this much loved and admired man. Jeremy was laid to rest the same day at the Victor Cemetery in Victor, Montana. He will be greatly missed.

Rev 21:14 – “He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Romans 14:8 – “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord”.