JAMES M. GOWER

Fr. Jim Gower and I were classmates and roommates at the School of St. Philip Neri for Delayed Vocations in 1948-1949. Jim was like a big brother to me, eliciting my best efforts and spiritual development. He is with the Lord!

Remember fondly Father Gower from his time at Sacred heart Church, Waterville. In addition to being an inspiration to us who were children, he supported my mother in her development of a Special Needs CCD class. A man who truly lived his faith as well as preaching it.

I first met Father Jim when I started working at UMO and he was the chaplain at UMO. Her regularly opened up his sanctuary for the local folk dance group to use. He loved the music and loved to dance. He also was a wonderful adviser and support when my husband and I got married, and agreed to officiate our ceremony. He was a wonderful man, full of insight and spirit. He is sorely missed.

I was an alter boy in Bucksport for Father Gower, not only were my brother and I baptized by him, he married my wife and I as well. He was not only our priest for many years but a friend as well. He truly will be missed, he was one of the most influential individuals in my life, and I am sure many others. I was truly blessed to know him.

My message of condolence gave my address as South Portland, Minnesota, when it should have been "Maine". But my condolences were true words, even if my address was not. R.I.P. Father Jim

Fr. Gower was chaplain at UMO when I was a student there. He was really wonderful and I was blessed by his presence and gifts. He will be missed.

I remember Father Gower as a wonderful priest. He was a loving individual....was great with the children. I enjoyed him when he came to Sacred Heart School to visit. He was full of laughter! God let him stay with us for a good long while....

Father Gower was my husband's instructor when he converted. My husband found him insightful, sensitive and extremely intelligent.