James Rowles

James Anton Rowles, 88, died Nov. 28 in Perry.

A service of remembrance was held Dec. 2 at the First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson, with words of comfort by Commissioned Pastor Wendy Pittman and the Rev. Mark Rabideau.

Special music included “Yesterday He Died for Me,” “One Day at a Time” and “The King is Coming” (recorded in 1988 by the Presbyterian Choir; Carson Griffith, pianist).

Casket bearers were grandchildren Matthew Rowles, Brian Rowles, Dr. Johnny Rowles, Mellisa Rowles, Dr. Carl Rowles, Eric Rowles, Allen Davis and Marc Davis.   

Interment was in the Junction Twp. Cemetery, Grand Junction.

Military rites were provided by the United States Navy Honor Guard, Jefferson VFW Post 9599, Floyd Brown American Legion Post 11 (Jefferson)  and Ray Hawbaker American Legion Post 28 (Grand Junction), with “Taps” by Dr. Carl Rowles.

James Anton Rowles was born in Greene County on June 19, 1931, in the home of his parents, Craig and Bessie Rowles.  He grew up on that farm and attended school at Grand Junction, where he graduated with the class of 1948.

In 1953, he enlisted in the Navy and served as the ship’s clerk for the USS Grasp for two years of the Korean conflict. 

Jim returned to the farm following his service. He met and subsequently married (Aleatha) Joanne Ogren on April 8, 1956. They raised three children named Craig, Roger and Karen.

Jim was a loving and compassionate father. He instilled a passion for animal agriculture in his children and passed on a love and talent for music. He especially loved singing in the church choir and he had a beautiful bass voice.

Jim farmed the home farm and was proud of his farming heritage. When Roger graduated from college, they set a wonderful example of a father-son partnership. Gradually, he turned the farming decisions over to Roger. Jim and Joanne moved to town in 1987.

In later years, Jim’s health gradually deteriorated. Dementia and physical ailments were a challenge. Joanne served as more than a wife but a loving caretaker during these final years. She enabled Jim to stay at home in the comfort of familiar surroundings.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Craig and Bessie, and his brothers Merle, Warren and John.

He is survived by his wife, Joanne; three children: Craig (Elizabeth) Rowles, Roger (Desi) Rowles and Karen (Dave) Davis; as well as eight grandchildren, one great-grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family was assisted by the Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home.

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Jefferson Bee & Herald
Address: 200 N. Wilson St.
Jefferson, IA 50129

Phone:(515) 386-4161