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James Rowland Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for James Rowland
nicole moore
September 5, 2025
Mr. Rowland was an amazing teacher - happy to see other student friends here from back in the day. Mr. Rowland immersed us in science, had high standards for our work, and showed care for all of us - and those two years with him were very hard for me personally, but I always felt that I learned things in his classroom and learned the discipline of being a good student. Thank you, Mr. Rowland. Hello to fellow students.
Valerie Gould
September 26, 2015
Lou Anna I'm so sorry he took your love with him. He was a wonderful husband father granpa. You are very blessed. I love you.
Fran Narramore
July 21, 2015
Jim was without doubt one of the best teachers my children had. He so understood them and valued them--I think was a big part of the self-esteem they have as adults. I am so sad to learn he has left this world too early.
Paula Hamma
July 7, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Mr. Rowland was my 5th and 6th grade teacher at McCollum during what I think was the first year of the program there (1976?). He remains my favorite teacher, and the many life lessons I learned in that class are ones I am teaching my 11 year old now. I went back to visit Mr. Rowland for many years up into my 20's. He always had the same cheerful style and twinkle in his eyes. I love how he made room in his class for every one of us and helped us individually and as a group. I clearly remember science experiments, science drawings, and literature lessons (though my memory is hazy on so many other things from way back then!) which is a testament to how engaging and meaningful his lessons were. How he put up with children of that age group and all our silly, coming of age nonsense year after year, I'll never know. Thank you for sharing him with us for so many years. May his memory be eternal!
Andy Wilcox
July 3, 2015
Mr. Rowland was one of the best teachers I ever had. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to have both 5th and 6th grade under his direction. He taught me my love of science, and I credit him for my being a science teacher. He taught me to "tinker." He saw the vision of young men building model cars in class and let that be our art. All the Estes rockets we made we a blast (pun intended). My most memorable time was when he nurtured four guys he dubbed "The Monotones" because we were the only kids in our class that did not make honors choir. He guided the four of us to build the the entire set for the 4th-6th grade production of "Fiddler on the Roof." complete with a roof that Nicole Smith could sit on during the entire production and play her violin. What a great teacher and great man.
Debra Thomas Cox
July 2, 2015
I am saddened by Mr. Rowland's passing, but humbled that some music I sang was used to honor him!. What an incredible man who taught so many! I can still picture his classroom, his smile, the frogs and hamsters, and his encouragement to continue doing my math! My prayers go out to not only his family, but all of his students and co workers who will remember him as one of the best! Now that is a legacy!
Barbra Thomas Guffee
July 1, 2015
Mr. Rowland was my 5th and 6th grade teacher. He impacted my life in a wonderful way. To this day, I remember things that he taught me. I try to teach them to my son. I pray for all his family and friends in this time of loss.
Wendy (Lawrence) Axlund
July 1, 2015
Mr. Rowland was my 5th & 6th grade teacher at McCollom in the early 80s and our entire class thought he was the most wonderful teacher ever - and still do. Many of us from that class remain close friends and in March, four of our class members met in Las Vegas for what we named the "1982 Mr. Rowland's Class Reunion" and shared all of the good memories that he helped to create during our last two years at McCollom, especially as life took each of us in different directions and we lost touch with him through the years. He really helped to shape our lives and we will remember him fondly, with respect, and much love. I am very sorry for your great loss, but please remember that part of him burns brightly in each of us that he touched through the years!
Blessings to your family.
Shelly Weber-Ingram
June 27, 2015
I am so sorry to hear about Jim's Death. He was a wonderful man! Thoughts and prayers to Lou Anna, Chris, Mark and family.
Georgia Deatrick
June 25, 2015
Dear Rowland Family, I first met Jim when teaching Mark at Hadley and then over the years we were several times in workshops together. I always liked him and respected him as a teacher and valued techniques and material he shared through the years. I am especially sorry I will not be able to attend the funeral. I would have loved to have seen Mark after all these years. I hope you realize your father /husband has left a living legacy through the lives of colleagues and students who were blessed to have known him during his teaching journey. Although he is not where he was, he continues to live in that legacy he left behind and the memories such a good, decent, nice, personable man that he was. May the blessings of cherished memories keep him close the rest of your days.
"Miss Deatrick". Georgia Deatrick.
Emily Brattin (Lambdin)
June 25, 2015
I am so saddened that such a bright candle has gone out. Jim was one of my family's closest and dearest friends for as long as I can remember, probably my entire life if not longer... He was a wonderful man and an irreplaceable friend; he will be truly missed. And now he gets to enjoy drinking wine with Jesus. :) My thoughts and prayers are with all of Jim's family and friends - God bless you all.
June 24, 2015
Jim was my best friend at Tulsa Central High School. We joined the Marines together. He will be missed. Semper Fi. Dave Woolsey, Platoon 159.
June 24, 2015
I was shocked and saddened upon learning about Jim's passing. I have known Jim for many years. He was a fellow Marine and we will miss him. Semper Fi, Jim. God speed.
June 23, 2015
Lou Anna and family, words can not express my sadness. Good times and good friends for many years. Fond memories of our trips together and your friendship. Keeping you in my prayers, God Bless and keep you. Connie (Buck) Hunt
Lindel Silvertooth
June 23, 2015
I knew that Jim was a great teacher even though I didn't have the pleasure of working with Jim. I did have the pleasure of having his two sons attend Mueller Elementary in our district's integration effort on the early 70's. Jim and his wife came to school dressed as Indians during our Thanksgiving celebration. Wonderful parents and supporters of education. A great model as a teacher and dad. God bless his family.
Lisa Fields
June 23, 2015
Mr. Rowland was my 6th grade teacher in the ALC program at Stanley school in 1973-74. I have nothing but fond memories of him. He was kind, he allowed us the freedom to make many choices (and mistakes), and managed to teach me things that I continued to use through high school, college, graduate school, and my career. I didn't realize it then, but now know what a blessing it was to have had him as a teacher. I am so sorry for your loss.
Rodney O'Donnell
June 23, 2015
I'm not sure where to start about such a Wonderful man. I had the utmost respect for Mr. Rowland from my first day of teaching with him at McCollom,he taught me so much about teaching with his knowledge and personality toward students as well as other people. He was always so thoughtful to care not only about his students but also for the happiness he could give to others through giving[Easter for my son and special needs brother]informing me after knee surgery "Your limping" so I would become aware of my correct gant--so small but what a tremendous help physically..Thank-you Mr. Rowland for being there for me,I'll miss you
God Bless
Robbie Thomas
June 23, 2015
My sympathy to all of Jim's family. I was privileged to teach with him for several years. His wisdom, love of his family, and sense of humor will remain in my memories.
Diana Cubbage
June 22, 2015
It was with great surprise and sorrow that I learned of Jim's death. He was a fabulous man including his teaching and specially his love for family. We will all miss him but his contribution to our lives will be remembered and blessed.
Kelly Dougherty
June 22, 2015
I am so sorry to hear about Jim. I know he was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, teacher and friend! He will be truly missed, but I know you have many special memories and stories to share.
Thinking of you in sympathy & my prayers,
Kelly Dougherty
Barbara Firestone
June 22, 2015
Lou Anna, You know how I feel about Jim. You have both been two of my best friends forever. I cherish the many memories I have shared with you both and our group. Our trips have been great fun as well as the hours we have spent just "hanging out".
Bill Wessling
June 22, 2015
Lou Anna, Chris & Mark,
I am so sorry for you loss. I have known Jim all of my life. He was always a man I could look up to growing up in the old neighborhood. I remember all of the movies, meals and sleepovers I had at your home. I continue to keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. God bless
Frank Wenzel
June 22, 2015
Lou Anna, Mark, and Chris, I cannot tell you how much respect I had for Jim. My family was blessed for having yours as a neighbor. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Karla and Pete Leibham
June 22, 2015
Jim was a dear colleague (McCollom Elementary) and long-time friend for us. We are so sad for the Rowland family and we know you will miss him terribly. Take good care of your dear selves... we will keep you all in our prayers.
Kelly Austin
June 22, 2015
Mr. Rowland was an amazing and influential teacher in my life. He had such an impact on so many. My sympathies to his family and friends.
Susanne Lambdin
June 22, 2015
Lou Anna, you and Jim have known our family for so long, I've always thought of you both like an aunt and uncle. There is so much I could say, so many great memories, so much love and support. Jim's humor and laughter made him so endearing. But I will share this - the first time I met Jim was at McCollum Elementary, of course, when my mother first started to teach and I was young and impressionable. My mom took Lisa and I around to meet all of the teachers, and then we entered Jim's classroom - it was like a science museum, just so full of interesting things which reflected Jim's spirit and personality. He turned around and smiled at us and from that day on both you and Jim were family. I love you both and I'm so sorry for you and your family. Jim will be missed, but he will never be forgotten.
Sean Meegan
June 22, 2015
I am sorry for your loss. I was saddened to hear of Mr. Rowland's passing. I was a student of his at McCollom Elementary in 5th and 6th grade in 1981-1982 and 1982-1983. His deep commitment to helping young people discover an understanding of their world on their own terms was a huge influence in my life. And I am grateful for the couple years I spent with him.
Nancy Hesler Fuchs
June 22, 2015
Mr. Rowland was my fifth and sixth grade teacher. I have many fond memories of him. So sad to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.
Jeremy Singer
June 21, 2015
Are thoughts and prayers are with your family. It was an honor to have Jim in our lives. I will never forget all the fishing trips, and great memories we shared. You will truly be missed.
Don and Fran Lambdin
June 21, 2015
Lou Anna: We have always loved you and Jim so very much. All our love and support are with you at this time. We miss breaking up the traveling four.
Buck and Lisa Lang
June 21, 2015
We are so sorry for your loss. Jim was a kindred spirit whose insight, intelligence and humor were always appreciated. We send you much love and all our prayers.
Celeste Rowland
June 21, 2015
Words cannot express how deeply saddened my heart is for you Lou Anna, Chris, Mark, for all of you. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have shared Jim in my life and to be a part of it and a part of my beautiful children's lives. They absolutely adored their Papa!! My heart goes out to you and my prayers are with you always, and I love you.
ronnie and joe arnold
June 21, 2015
We were so very sorry to hear about Jim.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
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