School Information

Our school is named after the Honourable John James Bowlen, the first Roman Catholic to represent the Crown as Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. J. J. Bowlen, was born in 1876 in Prince Edward Island. In 1906, he moved his family out west and began what was to be an extremely successful life as a rancher and politician. By 1920, Bowlen owned the largest horse ranch in Canada.

J. J. Bowlen had an active political career. Elected in 1930, as a Liberal MLA for Calgary, he was one of only six opposition members to remain elected in the Social Credit landslide of 1935. He held office until 1944, serving his constituents in the Alberta legislature for 14 years.

In 1950, J. J. Bowlen was appointed the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. He died in office in 1959 and is buried in St. Joachim’s cemetery in Edmonton. During his life, J. J. Bowlen received many honors, held numerous executive positions and was actively involved in service clubs such as Kiwanis, Elks and Knights of Columbus.

At J. J. Bowlen Catholic Junior High School, we strive to live up to the example set for us by our namesake. He is a Catholic role model for the students and staff of our school. His active life embodies the qualities of hard work, determination and service to others and he reminds us of how to celebrate our gifts.