James R Jim Rowley , May 26, 1926 — November 21, 2018

James R. “Jim” Rowley, 92, of South Buffalo Township, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2018, at his home. Jim was born May 26, 1926, in Freeport, a son of the late Martha (Beale) and Richard Rowley.

Jim was a 1944 graduate of Freeport High School. After high school, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the Army Air Force during World War II. Jim received the rank of Private First Class and served as an airplane and engine mechanic with the 27th Fighter Squadron.

After his service to his country, he came home and enrolled in the School of Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh. Jim would ride the train from Freeport to Pittsburgh every day for classes, and graduated with his bachelor’s degree in engineering in just three years. Jim worked with O’Berg Industries for a number of years and then took an engineering position with PPG Industries in Creighton.

He worked for PPG for more than 30 years and retired in 1991. Jim enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially fly fishing. He was an avid bowler and would bowl a few times a week in his younger years.

His greatest love was spending time with his family. Jim is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joyce R. (Ruffner) Rowley; his two daughters, Judy A. Bologna, of Buffalo Township, and Jane E. Glaister, of Brookville; four sons, James P. Rowley, of South Buffalo Township, Jeff R. and Cathy Rowley, of Freeport, John R. and Tracey Rowley, of Ford Cliff, and Joe A. and Marlene Rowley, of Freeport; he is also survived by his 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and his brother, Robert Dale and Sharon Rowley, of Weatherford, Texas. Jim was preceded in death by his grandson, Tyler Glaister; son-in-law, John Bologna; brother, Donald Rowley; and his sister, Carolyn Ross.

Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26, in the REDMOND FUNERAL HOME INC. , 524 High St. in Freeport.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, in the funeral home, with Pastor Sally Jo Snyder officiating. Burial will be held in Freeport Cemetery, Freeport.

If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.