James Rowden

He was born October 29, 1928 in Monroe, Texas a son of the late Ernest W. and Callie Dee (Baker) Rowden.

James served in the U. S Army from 1947 to 1953. While stationed at Fort Williams, James and his Army Unit were called to help the Great Fires of Maine that struck the state in October of 1947.

He worked for the U.S. Postal service for over 30 years, retiring July 2, 1992.

James was a member of the Paul Malia Post of the American Legion, and the Eagles Club.

James and his wife Dorothy moved to Lubbock, Texas after his retirement from the Postal Service in July of 1992. He enjoyed gardening, especially growing cantaloupe and watermelons, and he successfully grew figs, pecans, and several varieties of hot peppers and tomatoes. James enjoyed working with computers, and working on projects around the house. He will be affectionately remembered by his family as Mr. Fix It.

After living in Texas for fourteen years, James and his wife Dorothy returned to Maine to be closer to family. He enjoyed dining out, and especially enjoyed Asian cuisine. James loved the majesty of the American Bald Eagle, and he enjoyed collecting eagle mementos. He often did his treasure hunting at thrift shops with his wife Dorothy.

James enjoyed country music, and in his younger years he was in a band and played the guitar. His specialty was the electric slide guitar.

He will be sadly missed by his and wife Dorothy's dog Gracie, age 3, a Yorkie - Dachsund mix. He adored Gracie, and she was devoted to James.

James is survived by his wife of 50 years, Dorothy (Fields) Rowden of Portland, his children: Corinne Cook of Brunswick, William Kenny and his wife Sue of Portland, Joanne Diagneault and her husband Gary of Biddeford, Sandra Kenney and her husband William of Brusnwick, Lorie Franklyn and her husband Galen of Gorham, Denise Rowden of South Portland, and James Rowden and his companion Rebecca of Biddeford; 12 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his brother Douglas W. Rowden of TX.

James was predeceased by his first wife Lilian in July of 1960 and his brother Ray Rowden in 1998.