James "Jimmy" Butler Gower

James Butler Gower, age 83, of Wilmington, NC, passed away on Monday, January 30, 2023 at his home after an extended illness. Born March 14, 1939 in Fayetteville, NC, he was the son of the late William Henry and Rosa Vernell Beard Gower. He was preceded in death by his wife, Julia Rose Paschall Gower, a brother, Royce William Gower, a sister, Billie Gower Tartt, and a granddaughter Peyten Diane Gower.

Mr. Gower is survived by three children: Bryan Keith Gower, Kerry Allen Gower and wife Kristin, both of Wilmington, NC and Keena Gower Howell and husband Bret, of Aiken, SC, seven grandchildren: Bryan Keith Gower Jr. and wife Lindsay, James Cory Gower and wife Meagan, David Jeremy Epps, Kenneth Mitchell Gower and wife Heather, Jason Allen Gower and wife Bethany, Brittany Rose Howell Rowell and husband Chris, and Bret Alan Howell Jr. He also has 11 great grandchildren.

Jim was a graduate of New Hanover High School, Class of 1957, where he was a State Champion in both basketball and baseball. He retired from Federal Paper at the Riegelwood Paper Mill. Jim was a member of Harbor United Methodist Church. Before declining in health, he was a regular at the Wilmington Municipal Golf Course.

The funeral service will be at Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel at 11am, Saturday, February 4, 2023. Prior to the service, the family will receive friends from 10am to the service hour. Interment will follow immediately after at Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Matt Ham will officiate. Memorials may be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare or a charity of your choice.