James E. Rowe

ELKHART — James E. “Jim” Rowe, 91, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, at Golden Living Center, after a battle with cancer.

Jim was born Feb. 16, 1927, in Elkhart.

He married Wanda M. Strukel on March 5, 1966. Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Wanda; daughter Beth Ann (Michael) Neff of Rapid City, Michigan; son Randy (Karen) Strukel of Elkhart; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by former Elkhart Fire Chief Ed Clark, who raised him, as well as his mother, Mildred Clark; sons Louis E. Rowe and Steve Strukel; daughter Judith Ann Pavoni; a grandson, Andrew Strukel; and granddaughter Elizabeth Strukel.

Jim led a very active life. 

He worked as a truck driver for many years, moving machinery for Days Moving and Storage, as a business owner of the former Jim’s Green Thumb.

He also worked in warehouses and tended bar for a time.

He proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Jim never knew a stranger, was an avid golfer, and was proud of his hole-in-one he hit.

He and Wanda loved entertaining and dancing to Big Band music; they enjoyed the warm weather after they retired by wintering in Naples, Florida.

Friends and family may call from 2 - 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. Elkhart.

Funeral service for Jim will be at the funeral home at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5, with additional visitation one hour prior.

The celebrant will be his granddaughter, Abbie Strukel.

The service will conclude with military honors being rendered by the U.S. Army Funeral Honor guard and DAV No.19.

Per Jim’s wishes, cremation will follow, with burial at a later date in Rice Cemetery.

If so desired, memorials may be given to the Center for Hospice Care.

Please visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to share a condolence with Jim’s family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James E. Rowe, please visit our floral store.