John T. Bowkett, 84, longtime resident of Amherst, NH, died on August 4,2026, after a sudden illness at the Elliot Hospital, Manchester, NH.

He was born on April 12, 1942, in Birmingham, England, a son of the late Thomas and Dorothy (Buck) Bowkett.

John was raised and educated in England, where he played English football for Aston Villa, the second team, and Cricket.

As a young man, John apprenticed and won awards while working for B.I.P. Engineering Ltd. and was a tool fitter for Streetly engineering firm.

At the age of 24, John emigrated to America, where he was employed by a company in Albany, New York.

Shortly after arriving he was drafted, and did one and a half tours of duty in Vietnam with the 158-assault helicopter battalion, and was stationed at Camp Eagle with the 101st airborne division. John was proud of his service and was an Honor /Flight New England recipient in October 2026.

From 1971-1984, John was employed by PF Avery/CE Avery, New England Homes, New Hampshire Ball Bearing, and UNI-CAST.

In 1985, John and five others started a company called Nu-Cast, that manufactured aluminium investment casting for the space and aerospace industry. John was Senior Vice President and most proud of the collaboration Nu-Cast had with NASA, producing parts for satellites, the space shuttle “Endeavor” and a part on the moon.

While living in Amherst for fifty years, John served on the Hazardous Waste Advisory Board for Governors Steve Merril and Judd Gregg.

He served on the Amherst Planning Board for more than seven years, was the Chair of the Building and Site Committee for Souhegan High School and was a soccer coach and referee for the Recreation Department.

Johns’ greatest joy and sense of pride was watching his sons grow into fine, successful men, with loving families. 

The highlight of his life was his six grandchildren. John, Papa John, was a kind, caring, great hugger and loving man, who is survived by his loving wife, Sally Bowkett of Amherst, NH, his two sons, Robin and his wife Bethany Bowkett of Amherst, NH, Colin and his wife Stacie Bowkett of Georgia, his six grandchildren, Trey, Stella, Nora, Riley, Heath and Bode, a sister and brother-in-law, Gillian and Robert Collett of England and many nieces, nephews, in-laws and cousins.

SERVICES: A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 11:00 AM in the Congregational Church, Amherst, NH. Burial will be held at a later date in the Meadowview Cemetery.In lieu of flowers please give to Disabled American Veterans, Honor Flight New England or SHARE.