Rev. John V. Bowden (Father Jay), age 82, of Lawrenceville, NJ passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 3, 2019. He was born in Trenton, NJ, on November 21, 1936 to the late Jack and Margaret Bowden. He is survived by his sister, Judith Sost, nephews Ronald ("Rocky") Sost and his wife Barbara, Craig Sost and his wife Susan, great-nephews and nieces Jackson, Daniel, Nathan, Eva, and Megan, as well as many loving cousins and close friends. Father Jay graduated from Blessed Sacrament Grammar School in 1950 and Trenton Catholic High School in 1954. He attended St. Charles College Seminary in Catonsville and St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, MD. He was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Trenton by Bishop George W. Ahr on May 26, 1962. His first assignment was St. Rose of Lima parish in Freehold, NJ, with his Great Uncle Msgr. John Kucker, pastor. In addition, he served various parishes within the Diocese of Trenton. 

He was appointed by Bishop Ahr as the first Spiritual Director for the English speaking Diocesan Cursillo movement from 1971-2010. He served on the Council of Priests, including one term as vice-chairman. Father Jay retired from pastorate of Epiphany Church, Brick, NJ in 2006, and resided at Villa Vianney, Diocesan Priests' Retirement Home. He served one term as liaison to the retired priests of the Trenton Diocese. He continued to minister at St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square until the time of his illness. He was a 4th-degree member of the Knights of Columbus and served as chaplain to St. Gregory Council # 7677 Knights of Columbus.  

He was an avid fan of the Philadelphia Eagles, NY Mets, Yankees, and loved Duke Basketball.  

Reverend Bowden's visitation will be held on Monday, July 8, 2019 from 4-8 pm at St. Gregory the Great Church in Hamilton Square, NJ. Mass of the Christian burial will follow on Tuesday, July 9, 2019 at 11 am at St. Gregory the Great Church in Hamilton Square, NJ. Burial will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Father Jay to St. Gregory the Great Church.