James R. Fowler

James R Fowler passed away Monday, March 7th, 2011 at his home at the age of 81 surrounded by his huge clan after a courageous battle with cancer. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Margie ( Michal) and his children, Vicki (Ron) Byrom, Jim (Karen) Fowler, Ken (Nancy) Fowler, Mary (Scott) Farmer, Peggy (John) Ficht, Rich (Susan) Fowler. He was preceeded in death by Bonnie Wells (2002) and John Fowler (1990). His big sister Jane (Jim Fralinger) is his surviving sibling. \tJim’s pride and joy were his 25 grandchildren, Adam, Angela (Nick Brothers), Andrew (Katie) Byrom, Beth (Nick Hall), Mary, John Wells, Jill Burgos, Andrew (Weronika), Ryan Fowler, Britan, Blair and Mallory Fowler, Scott Farmer, Zachary, Nicholas, Matthew, Anne (Ficht), Joshua, Jacob, Jessica Fowler, Richard, Brooke, Brittany, Danielle, Steven Fowler. And 5 Great grandchildren Owen and Jack Byrom, Isabella Brothers and Jaelyn and Jessica Burgos.\tJim was born and raised in Hammond, Indiana. He graduated from Hammond High School in 1948 where he ran track at the state level and played football for Maurey Zlotnik . He attended Purdue Calumet in Hammond. He married his sweetheart, Margaret, on March 31, 1951. He was a proud Veteran of the Korean War. Jim was a devoted member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church since 1938 where he served as an altar boy, was married and served on the school board. He was a proud member of District 7 IUOE for 60 years, long time employee of Thatcher Engineering. He was known for his dependability as an Operating Engineer and for mentoring young Operators in training. Jim was an active member of the Hammond Civic Center Health Club where he was a favorite in the coffee clutch club. Jim competed in the Senior Olympics for over 15 years and won numerous gold medals in the swimming events. Jim coached basketball, football and track in the CYO Program. He was an avid gardener, always looking to improve his rose garden and tomato crop. \tJim was an eternal optimist, had great faith, a quick wit and generously shared his big bear hugs with everyone. He was described by his high school teacher as” having a captivating smile that lit up his whole irresistible mug.” Jim and Margie’s marriage was an inspiration to their children and others, proving that a couple who respect and love each other can be sweethearts for life. Jim always said that God had abundantly blessed him with many riches in his life. The family asks that in the spirit of Jim, you give a big smile and bear hug to someone you love.\tFuneral services will be held Friday, March 11th directly at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Hessville, 10 am Mass with viewing before Mass. Interment will be at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Schererville, IN. Visitation on Thursday, March 10 from 3pm to 8 pm (prayer service at 3:30pm) at Kish Funeral Home 10000 Calumet Ave Munster. American Legion Allied Post 369 will post colors at 6:30 pm Thursday and hold military honors on Friday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to OLPH Church, 7132 Arizona Ave. Hammond, IN 46323.