Obituary of James (Jim) William Fowler

January 20, 1925 - Drumheller, Alberta

January 14, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

In the late evening of Friday, January 14, 2022, James (Jim) William Fowler of Calgary, AB, passed away in his sleep after a brief illness. Jim was just 6 days shy of his 97th birthday. His was a life well-lived, he was loved, and we will miss him.

Jim was born in Drumheller, AB, on January 20, 1925 to Gladys and Jack Fowler. He was the third child in the family, between older sisters, Marion and Vera and younger siblings, Jean, Bob and Phyllis.

Jim was raised on a farm and attended school at the once booming hamlet of Michichi, AB. After WWII broke out, Jim joined the navy when he turned eighteen, and was stationed with the military police in Halifax, NS. It was there, he met and in 1946, married the love of his life, Geri. After the war, Jim and Geri left Halifax and returned to Alberta. Jim attended SAIT and got his ticket in carpentry and they started their family. He worked with small construction companies before landing the job of Finishing Superintendent with Keith Construction, which he held until he took early retirement at age 55 due to his diminishing eyesight as a result of Retinitis pigmentosa.

In his younger adult life, summers were always spent at his sisters’ farms, helping plant, tend and harvest their fields. He enjoyed gardening, camping, fishing and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was involved in the Scout movement with his two sons, moving up the ranks to Head Scoutmaster. He loved listening to opera and classical music on the weekends and then he would switch to rock and roll during the week! He loved the Flames hockey team. And who can forget his fudge making, animal shaped pancakes and homemade bird condos placed oh so strategically in his back yard.

Jim leaves behind his loving wife of 75 years, Geri, and his three surviving children, Sheila (Glenn) of Calgary, John (Heather) of Powell River, BC and Catherine (Rod) of Calgary. Jim is also survived by six grandchildren, Chris, Erin (Eric), Liam (Jennifer), Karen, Ryan and Lindsay (Mike); two step-grandchildren, Cheryl (Scott) and Jeff (Andrea); and thirteen great-grandchildren; his sister Phyllis, and sister-in-law Iris; as well as several nieces and nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his youngest son Richard, and his grandson Anthony.

His greatest love was his wife and his family. He will be missed, and we are all thankful for the wonderful memories we have. We will cherish them forever.

Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of James Fowler, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.