James Allisson Rowland

James Allison Rowland, age 85, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, August 1st after having been on the Alzheimer's journey for more than 15 years. Jim chose to trust in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in his freshman year of college. He lived for Jesus throughout his life and was very active in ministry at the First Baptist Church in Hazel Park where he impacted young lives with the love of Jesus leading in the Awana Program and hosting the Young Adult group with his wife Sue in their home for many years.

Jim took early retirement at age 56 after 38 years at the Chevrolet Detroit Forge. He then moved to Kalamazoo where he continued to serve Jesus as a deacon and active participant at Calvary Bible Church. Throughout his life Jim looked to God for direction and wisdom through prayer and Bible reading. In his last months on earth, before going home to enjoy being with Jesus, Sue heard him pray, "I want to be the man you want me to be. Help me to be the man you want me to be."

Born in Detroit on December 5th, 1934, Jim was raised in Hazel Park by his loving parents, Aldon "Baldy" Rowland and Marjorie Sabin Rowland. In high school he was class president and excelled in football, basketball, wrestling, and track. After graduation Jim attended General Motors Institute where he received an engineering degree. He met and married (Virginia) Sue Carter on August 20th, 1954, and they were happily married for almost 65 years. Jim's hobbies included golf, downhill skiing, and landscaping.

Jim is survived by his wife, Sue, and three children—Terry (Karen) Rowland, Valerie (Alan) Herriman, and Jeremy (Suzanne) Rowland. His grandchildren are Cassie (Andrew) Kletzing, Tiffany (Jeffrey) Marcoe, Brooke (Anthony) Kashou, Dustin Rowland, Kent (Rachel) Herriman, Keith (Anna) Herriman, and Natalie Rowland. His great grandchildren are Vanessa & Harrison Kashou. His surviving siblings are Terry (Marian) Rowland, Ellen (Sherman) Cone, and brother-in-law Danny Joseph. His sister Marilyn preceded him in death.

Due to the ongoing world health crisis, a private family service will be held in his honor.