I would like to thank Liz and the Faces of Big Lake for nominating me for this recognition. I grew up in Cottage Grove, MN. I was the youngest of 6 kids. My dad was an aircraft mechanic and my mom was a stay at home mom taking care of all of us. I went to college at St. Cloud State University where I got my Bachelors and Masters degree. That is also where I met my wife, Lori. We live in Orrock and are now empty nesters as our children are off working successfully in each of their careers. I enjoy being surrounded by family and friends and like to make people laugh and have a good time. I am an avid hunter and enjoy hunting grouse, turkey, deer, and pheasant. We purchased a cabin last year in Emily, MN so we have been spending as much time there as we can enjoying lake life. This has allowed me to add fishing to my many hobbies. I enjoy singing and I have been a cantor at our church for 30 yrs and have sung at many wedding of former students.
My entire teaching career has been in Big Lake and I so fortunate to know so many families and students in this great community.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife Lori. We have been married 30 yrs. My daughter Ashley was a Big Lake graduate in 2015 and now lives with her husband in Eau Claire, Wi. My son Alex was a 2018 Big Lake graduate and lives in St. Francis
Q: How long have you lived and/or worked in Big Lake?
This is my 32nd year teaching in Big Lake
Q: Tell us about your current, past, or future career.
I said I have been in teaching in Big Lake my whole teaching career and even student taught in Big lake. I taught 8th grade Earth Science for 28 yrs and then went to 6th grade to teach Earth Science when the Mn science standards moved grade levels.
Q: Have you ever had a nickname? What is it and why were you given it?
I usually am called Vandy and have to look twice when someone says Jim. The nickname came pretty early since my last name is fairly long.
Q: What is your favorite TV Show, Movie, Book? (Please list as many as you’d like!)
I try to catch as many hunting shows as I can on TV. My wife and I have started to show our age as we sit down to watch Wheel of Fortune many nights. If Shawshank Redemption is on TV, I will usually stop and watch for awhile. Other movies I enjoy are Twister and Field of Dreams. I try to get a book or two in during the summer months and even though I don’t have a favorite book, I enjoy historical fiction.
Q: If you could only eat one food/meal and have one beverage for the rest of your life, what would it be?
If I only had one meal it would have to be fish or seafood. My morning beverage would be a green tea and my evening beverage a cold beer.
Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies or pastimes?
My favorite hobbies are in the outdoors either hunting or fishing. I can be found outside on most days doing some yardwork or enjoying nature.
Q: What is one thing on your bucket list?
One thing on my bucket list would be to travel to Alaska. Not sure if I want to go by cruise or fly and explore. I crossed off one bucket item last summer doing a fly-in fishing trip in Canada with my good friends and our sons. It was a trip that did not disappoint.
Q: What would you buy/do if you won the lottery?
If I was lucky enough to win the Lottery, I would be spending my time at our cabin In Emily. The 1974 cabin would get some modern upgrades.
Q: What has been a challenge you have had to overcome? (Life, School, Work, etc.)
Our family did not have a lot growing up but I never felt I was without the basic needs in life. I was taught at a very young age the importance of hard work. I worked several jobs in college to pay for my schooling. A more recent challenge we all faced was teaching during Covid. This made us adapt and also showed us the need we have for personal connections in our everyday life.
Q: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
As I mature in age, I have accepted who I am but for a long time, I wish I was taller. Genetics did not help me to become 6’2 ”
Q: Who has been a hero in your life?
There are many people that I could call my hero in life. My parents are my heroes for bringing me up with a strong faith. My wife would be my hero for overcoming a brain tumor and is striving each and every day. Any person that has battled cancer or other horrific diseases are also my heroes because of their will to overcome and fight for life.
Q: What is something even your family and friends may not know about you?
I am pretty much an open book so nothing to hide.
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
The easy answer is my family. Nothing is more fullfilling than watching your family be successful and happy. On a professional level, I was a semi-finalist for Mn Teacher of the Year.
Q: What are a few of your favorite businesses / restaurants in Big Lake?
My favorite places would have to be McPete’s, Lake Cafe Friday mornings for breakfast, and my many stops each week at Coborns
Q: What is one of your favorite things about Big Lake?
The people of Big Lake is what makes it truly special. Whether I am out shopping or at one of the many local establishments, I will run into people I know and we share a story. I enjoy seeing former students and parents to see what they are doing now. Big Lake has been my home for a long time and I take pride in being in the same town where I teach.
Q: What advice would you give to people living in Big Lake?
Continue to help each other. This is a great community and when we work together, great things happen. Every person has a story to tell, be willing to listen.
Q: Who is an interesting person in our community that you’ve met and deserves to be included in The Faces of Big Lake project?
Kim Bowen
