James Fitzgerald Fowler

James Fitzgerald Fowler

SALISBURY - James Fitzgerald Fowler, 84, of 903 Mocksville Road, died Friday, Jan. 30, 2009, at Forsyth Medical Center.

He was born in Monroe on July 10, 1924, he was the son of the late James Monroe and Annie Garland Fowler.

Mr. Fowler grew up in Charlotte and graduated from Central High School prior to entering the University of North Carolina in 1942.

He joined the U.S. Navy on Navy Day, October 12th of that year, enrolling in NROTC and was commissioned as an Ensign in February when he received an AB in Naval Science. As a Lieutenant, JG in World War II, he served as the forward gunnery officer on the aircraft carrier USS Lexington, "The Blue Ghost", in the Pacific until after the end of the war. For his service, he was awarded several awards, citations, and Battle Stars.

After release from active duty, he returned to Chapel Hill, completing his studies and receiving an AB in Commerce in 1947. He distinguished himself as a monogram winner on the UNC Track and Field team and UNC Swimming team. He also was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon, Delta Sigma Pi, and The Order of The Grail.

While at UNC, Jim met his wife of 59 years, pharmacy student Evelyn Blanchard Fowler.

Upon graduation, Jim began his business career with International Harvester, moving to Salisbury in 1951 when he started Fowler Motors, Inc., a General Motors new car, truck, marine, and farm equipment dealership. Later, he also was active in commercial and industrial real estate development with Fowler Agency. He developed and was a general partner in several Hampton Inns in the Carolinas.

Throughout his career, Jim served his community, as President of the Salisbury Rowan Chamber of Commerce, Salisbury Rowan Board of Realtors, Salisbury Civitan Club, North Carolina Auto Dealer's Council, Rowan Vocational Workshop, and membership on many community boards. He was a 15 year member of the board of Security Bank and Trust. He was a member of First Baptist Church since 1951 and of the Whitehead Sunday school class and Trustee's board.

Jim is survived by his wife Lynn; daughters, Susan Fowler Stafford and husband Allen of Charlotte, Sara Fowler Anderson and husband Dr. Ted of Asheboro; son, J. Keith Fowler and wife Eugenia of Richmond, Va.; six grandchildren, Megan, Lauren, Bill, Jay, James Ward and Kress.

Visitation: The family will receive visitors at the home on Tuesday from 4-7 p.m.

Service: A memorial service will be held by Dr. Kenneth Lance, Wednesday Feb. 4 at First Baptist Church, N Fulton Street, Salisbury at 2 p.m. following a private family graveside service at Salisbury National Cemetery.

Memorials: The family requests that if you choose to honor Jim, in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to Good Shepherd's Clinic, 220 N Fulton Street, Salisbury, NC 28144 or Rowan Helping Ministries, 226 N Long Street, Salisbury, NC 28144.