Chester James Rowland

He graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1956 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in Kansas City on February 27, 1957. Upon completion of his training, he reported to his first duty station aboard Fighter Squadron 102 Naval Air Station, Cecil Field, Florida. It is there where he would meet Donna L. Livingston of Ormand Beach, FL whom he would later marry on April 18, 1960. They went on to have 3 children, Scott Doran Rowland, Kieth Alan Rowland and Julie Lynn Richens.

Jim rose from his initial enlistment to Petty Officer Second Class as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate. An exceptional career followed with tours of duty with VA-44 at NAS Jacksonville; with VF-132 and VF-32 at NAS Cecil Field; Air Transport Unit Eight at Moffett Field, California; with Flag Administrative Unit, Commander, Fleet Air Whidbey Island Washington; with Commander, Carrier ASW Group 53 at NAS North Island, CA, with Commander, Carrier Air Wing Six at NAS Oceana, Virginia; and finally with VP-30 @ NAS Jacksonville. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal and two Meritorious Unit Commendation Medals. He was also awarded Five Good Conduct Medals. Jim went on to retire after 21.5 years of service as a Master Chief Petty Officer in April of 1977.

During his busy Military career Jim also received his A.S. degree in May of 1972 from Del Mar College majoring in instrument and control systems engineering and his Bachelor of Technology degree in March of 1979. He went on to spend almost 3 years as a senior aircraft inspector & quality control supervisor from Grumman, St. Augustine.

Jim and Donna divorced after 22 years remaining good friends and exceptional parents. Jim became the owner and operator of an Auto Transmission Shop and was enjoying becoming a grandpa. He met Ruth Pararo which he later married in 1997 and added 2 step-son’s to our family, Dave Evans and Lance Pararo.

Jim loved traveling, camping, football, motorcycle riding, working on his truck, target shooting, race cars; Dale Ernhardt especially, and spending time with his family.

Jim was predeceased by, Father, Glen Edward Rowland, Mother, Ruth Catherine Rowland, Sister, Ruth Ann Rowland, Wife, Ruth Tomlinson Rowland and Grandson, Jimmy Rowland.

He is survived by Sons, Scott and Kieth Rowland, Daughter, Julie Richens, Ex-wife, Donna Rowland, Step-Sons Dave Evans and Lance Pararo, 5 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and 8 step grandchildren.

There will. Be a Memorial to celebrate his life at W.W. Ranch on August 12, 2023 from 2-6 pm.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgriversidefuneralhome.com for the Rowland family.