Paul James GOWER Jr.

GOWER Paul James Jr. Paul James "Jim" Gower, age 71, passed away peacefully Christmas morning, 2009, in his home. Paul was born to the union of Paul James Sr. and Ethel Marie (Harris) Gower on July 31, 1938. He graduated from Anthony Wayne High School in 1956. Jim returned to college and graduated from BGSU with a bachelors of science in education in 1974 Jim was employed at Glass Fibers (Johns Manville), Campbell Soup and The Andersons, where he retired from after 43 years in the grain department. He married Alice Noaker on September 15, 1957. Jim had many passions including photography, painting, books, travel and gardening. His travels led him to all 48 states of the continental US with his favorite destination being South East Ohio Amish Country. His love of gardening was evident by the produce available at his roadside stand, which he enjoyed sharing with family, friends and neighbors for many years. He also loved his orchard and flower gardens. Jim always had a camera in his hands. His love of photography captured his life, the lives of his family and anyone else he came in contact with which is evident by the thousand of photos that he has collected throughout his life. The photos will be forever cherished by his family. Jim was an avid reader and collected many books and relished the knowledge he obtained from reading. He enjoyed sharing this knowledge with everyone. Jim was very instrumental in implementing the ability for the 875 phone exchange (Neapolis) to call Toledo as a local call. This community service was appreciated by all that it affected. Jim was also credited for restarting the Scout Troop 128 serving the Neapolis area. Jim is survived by his loving and caring wife of 51 years, Alice (Noaker) Gower; children, Bill (Mary Beth), Steve (Paula), Mark (Laura) and Mary (Rob) Bierbaum; grandchildren, Brooke, Brandon, Travis, Zach and Jordan; great-grandchildren, Brycen, Kiley and one on the way. Also surviving are his siblings, Edward, Ethel, Joanne, Kelsey, Connie, Leslie, Ronnie, Joyce, Olive and Pete. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, William. Friends and family may call Monday, December 28, 2009 at Peinert Funeral Home, Whitehouse, OH, from 3-8 p.m. Funeral services will be Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home with Reverend Tom Bates officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery The family would like to express their appreciation to Odyssey Hospice www.peinertfuneralhome.com