James R. Dowling

CARVER James R. Dowling, of Carver, husband of 54 years to Alma J. (Maida) Dowling, died on August 8 after a long illness. Born and raised in Canton, he was the son of the late James J. and Margaret M. (Slattery) Dowling. He is also survived by two daughters; Andrea M. Gilbert and her husband Don of Wareham and Lisa M. Casey of Taunton, his granddaughter Victoria L. Freestone and his great-grandson, Andrew James Freestone, both of Taunton, his sister Margaret (Peg) M. Vacca and her husband Nick of Enfield, CT and many nieces and nephews. He was also the father-in-law of the late John Casey. A veteran of the Korean conflict, Mr. Dowling was also a Past Commander of the Edward J. Beatty American Legion Post in Canton. He was a member of Musicians Local No. 9 and the former Secretary/Treasurer of Musicians Local No. 138. A self-taught trumpet player, Mr. Dowling was the band leader of his own group, the Jay Richards Orchestra for many years. He was also the past President and past Treasurer of the South Meadow Village Assoc. in Carver. Besides music, he enjoyed golf, fishing, cribbage and playing bocci and was a huge fan of Louis Armstrong. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, August 14 at the Shepherd Funeral Home, 116 Main St., Rt. 58, Carver at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Central Cemetery, Carver. Visiting hours from the funeral home on Wednesday from 3-7 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076. For online condolences log on www.shepherdfuneralhome.com.