It is with great sadness that the family of James Stewart Fowler announces his passing on Sunday, November 7, 2021, at Rainycrest Long Term Care, Fort Frances, Ont.
He was born on June 4, 1941 in Emo, Ontario, to Stewart and Annie Fowler. He grew up in the west end of Fort Frances. He was united in marriage on July 17, 1965, to Shirley McMahon, the love of his life and together they raised three children. As a young man he worked for Ontario Hydro before joining the local paper mill. He worked there for many years before retiring in 1998. He loved sports, particularly hockey, baseball, bowling and golf. When his boys were young he started coaching, first hockey and then baseball. He continued on, coaching for many different teams both in Fort Frances and International Falls. He often told stories of his days on the ball field as a player, coach, team manager and umpire. Those were some of his fondest memories, along with his vast involvement with Fort Frances Minor Hockey and the Fort Frances Junior A Teams. As well, he was an avid bowler and had many friends in the lanes. He also truly enjoyed spending time with his family and friends on the lake; fishing, hunting and camping.
Jim adored all of his grandchildren and spent as much time with them as he could. He rarely missed an event or game.
Jim will be greatly missed by his children Crystal and husband Travis/Trapper George and their children Hailey, Hannah and Adam; Curtis and his daughter Kaela (Justin) and their daughter Gracie; sister Christine and husband Tim Hardy; in-laws Carol (Milt Sr.) Strachan, Terry McMahon (Yvonne), Brenda McMahon, Cheryl Bodnarchuk, Denise (Bob) Miller, Jim McMahon, Dean (Patty) McMahon and Russell (Jackie) McMahon; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and many, many friends.
He was predeceased by his wife Shirley; son Larry; parents Stewart and Annie; in-laws Ella and Terrance McMahon; brother and sister-in-law Ralph and Glenda McMahon; brother in-law John Bodnarchuk; nephew Aaron Hardy; and niece Corrine Hardy.
During Jim’s battle with his illness, he remained good natured, smiling, teasing and joking and was appreciative of everyone’s support. He touched many lives in a positive way and will always be remembered as an amazing father, grandfather, brother, uncle, coach and friend. He will forever be loved and kept in so many hearts.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held on Friday, November 12, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. at the Couchiching First Nation Multi-Use Facility.
The honourary pallbearers will be Jim’s grandchildren; Kaela Fowler, Hailey George, Hannah McKee-George, Adam George and Gracie Morrison.
COVID 19 Restrictions will be in place for the service including wearing a mask, following social distancing requirements, asking for proof of double vaccination and limiting attendance when necessary.
If friends so desire in memoriam donations may be made to the Rainycrest Auxiliary, 550 Osborne Street, Fort Frances, Ontario, P9A 3T2 or the Kenora Rainy River District Alzheimer’s Society, P.O. Box 837, Kenora, Ontario, P9N 4B5.
Online condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com.
