I remember Jimmy from when I was a kid in Syosset, along with his sisters, Susan & Lauren. His mom was my mother's closest friend - and I'm sure he got his love of animals from her. I still remember my mom being astonished when she used the restroom and Mary had rescued ducks in the bathtub. Nothing but fond memories, and so shocked and sorry to hear of his premature passing. My deepest condolences to Susan and Lauren.

Wow couldn’t believe this when I heard about Jim-Bo passing. Stumbled on this today. Jim roomed with me and Derek Calvert in Owen Hall. I had a front row seat to witness how hard he worked at the Co-Rec to make Purdue’s basketball team. Jim was also a pretty good golfer and softball player. He made quite a few trips to my hometown of Mishawaka with me. He did have a soft heart for animals. He found a stray dog during the winter and brought it back to our dorm room. We called him Butch. Snuck him in and out of Owen Hall for probably 3 weeks before we got caught. Jim and I actually walked from Owen to the Lafayette Humane Society to see Butch but someone claimed him. We ended up adopting a kitten we named Buckwheat. Buckwheat lived with me for about 12 years. Saw Jim last when he was playing with the Pistons as I ended up in the Detroit area. Great guy. Great memories. Jim also had another nickname “stankfoot” because of how bad his basketball shoes would get. Love ya Bro.

2 tough years without my brother. 
Really miss you pal. 🥎🐎😎🏈⚾️🥲⛳️

I just learned of the passing of Jim. I was his Assistant Coach with the Long Island Knights of the United States Basketball League in 1988. Despite his size, Jim was a really soft-spoken guy, with a big heart. The other players liked to tease him about his body-builder physique on a basketball player and his robotic movement, but he was a good sport. When he went on to play for the 76ers, he invited some of the players I coached at St. Joseph's University (Patchogue) to a game in Philly. Gone much too soon. Rest in Paradise, Jim.

Just learned of Jim's death. Jim and I played together in Topeka KS and 76ers organization as well as the USBL (United states Basketball League) and became fast friends.  We called him Robo-Cop  and Ro and for all his immense size and basketball talent he was just a wonderful big hearted guy and I will forever have fond memories of our friendship and time together.  Rest in peace big guy

Just learned about Jim's passing.  I was a friend and a fan while at Purdue.    He was a great guy who never gave up and remained approachable to all.  I was surprised to learn that we lived very close to eachother in Fort Lauderdale after all of these years :)
R.I.P.  Row ...

I worked with Jim at Syosset-Woodbury Park when I was entering college (Villanova) and Jim at Purdue where he had not yet reached superstar status.  He was a giant in my eyes.  Obviously in stature, but also as a person.  Gentleman, kind, caring as we worked with kids all day long and he had an infectious laugh and personality.  He was bigger than life.  I looked up to him in so many ways.  What a great person and then before you knew it he was on TV, winning Big Ten player of the year awards and did so with seemingly nobody knowing how he did it, but he did.  I still occasionally visit Syosset (I am originally from Oyster Bay) and always hoped somehow I would bump into Jim.  Learning of his passing was incredibly humbling and sad for me and obviously to those who loved him.  My sincere condolences for a life taken too soon, but a man who left his mark on me forever.

Bob Marino
New York, NY

I was friends with Jim at Purdue   What an amazing person   Sad to see he has passed   Prayers to him and his family

Jim was a kind and mild mannered guy with a heart as big as his size.  He left us much to early and I regret now talking to him more.  Our hearts and prayers go out to his sisters and his wife Leslie.
Rest in peace, Jim!
Uncle Bill & Aunt Barb

Our brother Jim, fondly known as Jim-bo growing up, will be missed  by his family, friends and the many stray animals he cared for.  Rest in peace now and forever. love your sister Susan and brother -in-law John.

Jimbob,
50 amazing years together.  So many great memories. My heart still bleeds. So hard to comprehend.  I miss you pal.  So many things remind me of you.  I will miss you everyday. 
You were a very special person.   We played so many sports together, traveled and non stop laughing and smiles.   I will cherish everything. 
Pals forever, 
Eddie. ( Jay H)

Jim was one of a kind. Big Jim or J Ro as we liked to call him at CompHealth always had time to talk and often had a story about a person or animal that he was currently helping. He also LOVED to talk about his wife. He had a HUGE heart and was a true gentleman. The way Jim managed his time between work and the community was very inspiring. His clients LOVED him and his providers looked to him for guidance. He always made me feel that there was more that I could be doing to give back and surely made us all better people. He will be missed greatly by so many. Jim made the world a better place and I will NEVER forget him. He left his impact on so many people and places.

Our brother Jim was a wonderful, humble and fun loving "big guy" who got so much out of helping others.  Volunteering and helping others was his passion and how he would most want to be remembered.  Jim will be missed by so many ... family, friends (including all the cute furry ones that he helped throughout the years) and the many in need that he touched with his kindness.  He helped make the world a bit better with each act of his kindness. We will miss him, always.
His sister, Lauren, and niece, Morgan

As a life long Purdue basketball fan myself and my family LOVED Jim.   He was a blue collar, hard working, five it all for the team player and was the heart and sole of that team.   Very sad to hear he’s gone, our heart felt condolences

OBITUARY

James Rowinski

January 4, 1961 – February 1, 2024

Kraeer-Fairchild Funeral Home & Cremation Center

Show your support

Send Flowers

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Past Services

Memorial Service