Jim was raised in the small Texas town of Devine, the youngest of five children in a ranching family. He completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in English and History, magna cum laude, at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio and went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from St. Mary’s University School of Law. A consummate professional, Jim practiced family law, representing families in the San Antonio area for over 38 years. A member of the San Antonio Bar Association, he served as President of the San Antonio Family Law Section. He was also a long time member of the Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists. According to S.A. Scene magazine, he was selected several times by his peers as one of the best San Antonio family lawyers.
A devoted history buff, Jim collected political buttons and Texas Independence memorabilia. He also collected vintage metal lunch boxes, Star Trek figures and early comic books. Jim had a lifetime love of music, collecting old 45 records for his jukebox and playing his many guitars. Known for his quick wit, he posed endless questions to friends and family regarding obscure trivia, which no one could answer but him. When not practicing law, he loved to spend time at the family ranch in Frio County, at the beach in Port Aransas, and in the Las Vegas casinos. Married to his wife Sue for 41 years, Jim was a devoted husband, father and grandfather; they have a son, a daughter and three grandchildren.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Roberta Nowlin, as well as his brother Thomas Nowlin, Jr. He is survived by his wife Sue Nowlin, their son and his wife, James Jr. and Amber, and their daughter and her husband, Allison and Shaun Skipper, in addition to his three grandchildren Sonya Skipper, James Nowlin III, and Jacqueline Nowlin.
His surviving siblings are Judy Whitt, Michael Nowlin, and Dr. John Nowlin, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
His funeral service is scheduled on Wednesday, March 27, 2019, 1:30 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Park, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, Texas 78218. If you wish to make a donation in his memory, please donate to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation, www.helpfightra.org.
