A service of remembrance was held Dec. 2 at First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson for James Anton Rowles, 88, of Perry, formerly of Grand Junction.
The Rev Mark Rabideau and commissioned pastor Wendy Pittman gave words of comfort. Special music was recorded by the Presbyterian choir in 1988, with Carson Griffith as pianist.
Casket bearers were Jim’s grandchildren Matthew Rowles, Brian Rowles, Dr Johnny Rowles, Mellisa Rowles, Dr Carl Rowles, Eric Rowles, Allen Davis and Marc Davis.Interment was at the Junction Township Cemetery west of Grand Junction. Military rites were provided by a United States Navy honor guard, VFW Post 9599 of Jefferson, Floyd Brown American Legion Post 11 of Jefferson, and Ray Hawbaker American Legion Post 28 of Grand Junction. Carl Rowles played Taps during the military rites.
James Anton Rowles was born 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, a loving caregiver during these final years. She enabled Jim to stay at home in the comfort of familiar surroundings.
Jim died November 28, 2019. He was preceded in death by his parents Craig and Bessie and his brothers Merle, Warren and John. He is survived by his wife Joanne; children Craig (Elizabeth) Rowles, Roger (Desi) Rowles, and Karen (Dave) Davis; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family was assisted by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home of Jefferson.
