Obituary for James "Jim" R. Fowler
James “Jim” Robert Fowler died Jan 1, 2023 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Jim was born in Detroit, Michigan on March 28, 1930, the son of Arthur W. Fowler and Edna B. Fowler. He was raised in Lake Orion and graduated from Lake Orion High School in 1947 and went on to play golf for Alma College. After graduating from Alma in 1951, he went directly into the USAF flight training program and married Betty in 1952. He proudly served his country in the Korean Conflict, flying large transport planes to supply troops. Upon completing his active duty at Patrick Air Force Base in Cocoa Beach, FL, he moved to Bloomfield Hills to raise his family and went to work at Ford Air Transportation as a pilot while continuing in the Air Force Reserve at Selfridge Air Base. He finished his 50 years in aviation at WCF Corporation, a job he truly loved, and never considered work.
Jim was generous, loyal, kind and brought a sense of fun to every gathering. He always knew that marrying Betty was the best decision he ever made, and together they built a beautiful life around their family and friends. He treasured the friends he made through his active duty service, while many have already passed, their friendship was never forgotten. Whether it was a round of golf with his foursome at Forest Lake Country Club or a game of gin rummy with Betty, Jim always appreciated a good competition, but was just as happy to watch the sunset on his Fort Lauderdale balcony with a cocktail in hand.
One of his biggest joys in life came from spending time with his grandchildren, whether it was traveling to or supporting their many activities. His grandchildren hold fond memories of the many vacations spent in Florida together and the stories shared over family dinners.
After years of traveling for work and spending winters in Fort Lauderdale, he was happy to move to Ann Arbor to be close to family and cheer on the Lions and Wolverines. He became a member of the First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Golf and Outing and Ann Arbor City Club. Since moving to Balfour of Ann Arbor, he and Betty spent the past three years meeting new friends and playing many hands of bridge. He was a member of the Palestine Lodge 357, Detroit Commandery No.1 KT, Commemorative Air Force and was a former Trustee at Alma College.
He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Betty, their children James C. Fowler of Ypsilanti, and Debra Bourque (Tom) of Ann Arbor. He was preceded in death by his son Keith Fowler.
He is also survived by seven grandchildren Andrew Fowler (Lauren) of Rochester Hills, Eric Fowler (Sara) of Troy, Lizzie Bourque Raider (Matt) of Cape Cod, MA, James Bourque of Chicago, Robert Fowler, William Fowler and Keith Fowler of San Diego, CA, and great grandson Isiah Fowler of Ramona, CA.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at The First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor, 608 E. William St on Jan 21, 2023 at 11AM, the family will receive visitors an hour before the service. Interment at White Chapel Memorial Garden, in Troy, MI will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim’s name to Alma College at alma.edu/donate or First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor at fccannarbor.org/donate.
Jim was born in Detroit, Michigan on March 28, 1930, the son of Arthur W. Fowler and Edna B. Fowler. He was raised in Lake Orion and graduated from Lake Orion High School in 1947 and went on to play golf for Alma College. After graduating from Alma in 1951, he went directly into the USAF flight training program and married Betty in 1952. He proudly served his country in the Korean Conflict, flying large transport planes to supply troops. Upon completing his active duty at Patrick Air Force Base in Cocoa Beach, FL, he moved to Bloomfield Hills to raise his family and went to work at Ford Air Transportation as a pilot while continuing in the Air Force Reserve at Selfridge Air Base. He finished his 50 years in aviation at WCF Corporation, a job he truly loved, and never considered work.
Jim was generous, loyal, kind and brought a sense of fun to every gathering. He always knew that marrying Betty was the best decision he ever made, and together they built a beautiful life around their family and friends. He treasured the friends he made through his active duty service, while many have already passed, their friendship was never forgotten. Whether it was a round of golf with his foursome at Forest Lake Country Club or a game of gin rummy with Betty, Jim always appreciated a good competition, but was just as happy to watch the sunset on his Fort Lauderdale balcony with a cocktail in hand.
One of his biggest joys in life came from spending time with his grandchildren, whether it was traveling to or supporting their many activities. His grandchildren hold fond memories of the many vacations spent in Florida together and the stories shared over family dinners.
After years of traveling for work and spending winters in Fort Lauderdale, he was happy to move to Ann Arbor to be close to family and cheer on the Lions and Wolverines. He became a member of the First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Golf and Outing and Ann Arbor City Club. Since moving to Balfour of Ann Arbor, he and Betty spent the past three years meeting new friends and playing many hands of bridge. He was a member of the Palestine Lodge 357, Detroit Commandery No.1 KT, Commemorative Air Force and was a former Trustee at Alma College.
He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Betty, their children James C. Fowler of Ypsilanti, and Debra Bourque (Tom) of Ann Arbor. He was preceded in death by his son Keith Fowler.
He is also survived by seven grandchildren Andrew Fowler (Lauren) of Rochester Hills, Eric Fowler (Sara) of Troy, Lizzie Bourque Raider (Matt) of Cape Cod, MA, James Bourque of Chicago, Robert Fowler, William Fowler and Keith Fowler of San Diego, CA, and great grandson Isiah Fowler of Ramona, CA.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at The First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor, 608 E. William St on Jan 21, 2023 at 11AM, the family will receive visitors an hour before the service. Interment at White Chapel Memorial Garden, in Troy, MI will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim’s name to Alma College at alma.edu/donate or First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor at fccannarbor.org/donate.