Father 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.

Father Gower was an amazing priest (& person). I remember when he started our first folk group singing & playing guitars at Sacred Heart Church. He loved people & was always there to help! He will be remembered with much love & appreciation!

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.

Father Gower helped my husband find his faith. We wanted him to marry us; he could not, but reminded us that we married each other and the priest was only the servant of god at the time. He ws a saintly man.

Memories of a very special person

Father Gower was a Chaplain and dear friend to the Waterville High School Class of 1958 - we all remember him with great love and appreciation - he never missed a reunion until the last few years. He was truly one of a kind and a great man. You will not be forgotten, your work was well done. R.I.P.

I remember Father Gower from our Sundays after Mass... spent at the rectory, counting the morning's donations. He'd stand around, making jokes with us. Always a gentleman, he answered questions we had about life. Conversations with him were always to the point and kind. We will miss you, Father Gower.

Father Gower was a prophet is our times, advocating with actions justice and equality. May you rest in peace, Father Jim.

He always made a point to come up and hug you when he saw you, he will be truly miss missed in the community and to me. He is in Gods hands now.

Having been a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Waterville, and a member of the parish Boy Scout Troop 212, I can say Farther James Gower was indeed a great man and mentor to all he came in contact with.

Father Gower and Father Shaw at Sacred Heart Parish in Waterville Maine
Were sent from heaven to a poor community of faith.
My ecumenical beliefs were founded under his tutorship.
I never new the extent of his commitment and outreach in other communities.
I continue to pray for our Church to heal and be as expansive as Christ intended.
I bless the day that the chancery in Maine gave Father Gower the wings to fly
for his inspiration soared above us
sprinkling us with renewed Faith Hope and Love.
He was "inspiration" personified and the best example for our Catholic community.
May he rest in peace in God' s abundant wisdom and grace.
Sincerely Marie Lessard-Ingelfinger

I've known Father Jim since I started at St. Edwards. He was a gentle giant.
He was loved, and will be missed by many.
Mary Ellen Kimball,
Lamoine, ME.

Fr Gower was a wonderful priest. He will fondly be remembered in Waterville Maine.He had a large influence on the community. He was a beloved priest. I remember him from Holy Mass, catholic school, CCD and all he took part in.No one would have ever guessed his biography. God BLess you Fr. Gower . You and Sacred Heart church are one in the same.

The 50's and 60's were the golden years of Waterville, and Father Gower was our beacon and role model as we grew up. He embodied what the priesthood could be and left a lasting legacy on our planet.

I was an altar boy for Father Gower, from 1953 to 1963. What a great memory and privilege! A truly great man.

RIP Father Gower
You made such a positive impact in my life. I will miss you so much, I am sure many other lives are richer because they were touched by you.I am so greatful you married my husband John and I on your birthday 21 years ago. To your surviving family so very sorry for your loss he was a GREAT man.
God Bless

I had the privilege of knowing Fr. Gower when I studied at UMO in the early 1980's. I lived at the rectory, as did several other men. He was a bright, kind and innovative man. Always concerned about our planet and promoting peace on it. He shall be sorely missed. One of a kind.