James Henry Bowles is identified as the father of the late Canadian professional wrestler Rocky Johnson born Wayde Douglas Bowles. James’ son was known to the world as the first Black Georgia Heavyweight Champion and the NWA Television Champion (2 times).
Rocky won several titles including the World Tag Team Championship with his partner Tony Atlas. The duo becomes the first black men to hold that championship in WWE history. He is the father of actor and former wrestler Dwayne Johnson commonly known as The Rock.
James Henry Bowles: Bio Summary
Name | James Henry Bowles |
Gender | Male |
Famous as | Rocky Johnson’s father |
Date of birth | 27 April 1888 |
Died | 29 December 1957 |
Birthplace | Amherst, Nova Scotia, Canada |
Parents | John Bowles and Lila Jones |
Spouse | Lillian Bowles |
Children | Rocky Johnson |
Grandchildren | Dwayne Johnson, Wanda Bowles, Curtis Bowles |
Is Rocky Johnson’s Father James Henry Bowles Still Alive?
Rocky Johnson’s father James Henry Bowles is not alive. James was born on 27 April 1888, in Amherst, Nova Scotia, Canada but he died on 29 December 1957, at age 69 in Amherst, Nova Scotia, Canada. He was the son of John Bowles and Lila Jones.
James Henry Bowles was considered a hard-working man who worked in a coal foundry to provide for his family. Per at least one source, he wanted to be a pro boxer which unfortunately never come true. He stood at 6 feet 7 inches tall and about 270 lbs.
James Henry Bowles was reportedly once known as one of the strongest men in NS. He earned that title after he was able to win a strength contest at a fair by lifting a church bell that weighed almost 500 lbs, off the ground with his bare hands.
Also Read: Simone Alexandra Johnson, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s daughter
James Henry Bowles married Lillian (née Gay; 1919–1996). James and Muriel Lillian Gay Bowles are the parents of Rocky Johnson. Rocky was born Wayde Douglas Bowles in Amherst, Nova Scotia, where he was raised. He was the fourth of five sons. He is a Black Nova Scotian.
Rocky Johnson was a descendant of Black Loyalists who immigrated to Nova Scotia after running away from a plantation in the United States after the American Revolutionary War. He is of part-Irish ancestry. He was in Toronto at age 16.
Rocky Johnson was wrestling and worked as a truck driver. It was in 1964 in Southern Ontario that he started his career as a professional wrestler. He achieved a lot as a wrestler and trained his son The Rock to wrestle.
The Rock is now known to the world as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. He is also an actor and film producer and his films have grossed more than $3.5 billion in North America and over $10.5 billion worldwide.
The Rock is also a businessman and a Philanthropist. He is the co-founder of the entertainment production company Seven Bucks Productions. He is the founder of the Dwayne Johnson Rock Foundation, a charity working with at-risk and terminally ill children.
Also Read: Top Disney Movies With The Rock (Dwayne Johnson)
What Happened To His Son?
James Henry Bowles’ son Rocky Johnson died of a pulmonary embolism at the home his son bought for him in Lutz, Florida. He died at age 75, on January 15, 2020. The embolism that killed him was caused by a blood clot that traveled from a deep vein thrombosis in his leg.
James Henry Bowles’ grandson Dwayne Johnson The Rock paid tribute to his father stating, “I’m in pain. You lived a very full, very hard, barrier breaking life and left it all in the ring. I love you dad and I’ll always be your proud and grateful son.”
The Rock posted a video on his official Instagram account in which he said, “My heart is so full of gratitude.”
“As you know, I lost my old man a few days ago, I lost him just like that, didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to him. I’d give anything right now to give him a big ol’ hug and a big ol’ kiss before he crossed over and just say thank you and I love you and I respect you. But I didn’t get a chance to say that. But such is life, as many of you know, based on the messages that you have shared with me, that many of you understand this pain when you lose a parent.”
He said his father’s death was “quick.”
“He had not been feeling well, had been battling a cold and infection, and on Tuesday he had what’s called a deep vein thrombosis, which is essentially a blood clot in the leg. It was a big ol’ blood clot that broke free, traveled up his body, and went right to his lung, clotted his lung, and he died very quickly from a massive heart attack, just like that.”
“I’ve written a lot of speeches for myself over the years, but I have no idea where to start with this one. But I do have my tequila and I can hear him now, ‘Good, that’s the way you’ve got to do it.’ I can also hear him now, ‘Make sure you put me over in the speech, say good stuff about me.’”
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