James A. Rowe
James A. Rowe passed away Saturday, October 10, 2009, after a long illness. James, known by his friends as Jim, was born on February 21, 1934, in the Strafford area. Jim graduated in 1951 from Fair Grove High School and went on to serve in the U.S. Army. After military service Jim married his sweetheart, Norma Crume, and moved to Springfield. Jim retired from the Springfield Public Schools maintenance department and ran his own heating and air conditioning business for many years. Jim was a longtime Christian, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a good friend to many people. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Norma; and his sister, Alice Goodman. He is survived by sister Gracie Hargus of Fair Grove; son Greg and wife, LeAnn of Austin, Texas; son Gary and wife, Serena of Springfield, Mo.; three grandchildren, Stephanie, Justin and Ashley; two step-grandchildren, Mason and Brandon Weddle; and his sister-in-law, whom he was especially close to, Willa Dickens of Springfield. He is also survived by his best friend and companion, Gloria Jean Odem of Springfield, whom he cared for very deeply. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 13 at 10 a.m., in Greenlawn Funeral Home North, 3506 N. National. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. After losing his wife to cancer, Jim’s favorite charity was the American Cancer Society. The family is requesting that donations be made to them in his honor in lieu of sending flowers.