James Thomas Dowell

James Thomas Dowell, 92, of Terre Haute, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 20, 2013 at Union Hospital. He was born on April 1, 1921 in Diamond, Indiana to James S. Dowell and Mary Klain Dowell. Jim attended Sacred Heart School and graduated from Garfield High School in 1938. Jim played semi-pro baseball for the Highland Eagles and the West Terre Haute Merchants. Jim was the pitcher and his brother Joe was the catcher. Jim served in the Army from 1942-1945. He was stationed in the South Pacific. He was awarded 2 Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart for his service to his country. When he returned to Terre Haute, he worked for Stran Steel for 36 years retiring in 1982. Jim married Barbara Rojahn, the love of his life in 1948. They were married for 44 years before she passed away in 1992. Jim is survived by his daughter Jane Moss and her husband Dan of Darien, IL; and his 2 sons, Jim and his wife Terri of Terre Haute; and John and his wife Heidi of Indianapolis. Also surviving are 6 grandchildren: Matthew Moss and his wife Laurie of Homer Glen, IL; Christopher Moss of Chicago; James Dowell of Indianapolis; Elizabeth Dowell and her fiancé Marc Roden of Avon; Frederick Dowell and Samantha Dowell both of Indianapolis; and 2 great grandchildren, Michael Moss and Anna Moss both of Homer Glen, IL. Jim will also be missed by his brother Jerry and his wife Phyllis of Terre Haute; and 2 sisters, Marcella Fields of Terre Haute; and Patti Miller and her husband Dale of Terre Haute and several nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his wife and parents; 2 brothers, Joe and his wife Lucille; and Bill and his wife Lois; a brother in law, Wilbur Fields; brother in law, Bernard Rojahn and his wife Virginia; and a sister in law, Martha Johnson and her husband Elbert. Jim was a member of Sacred Heart Church and the Knights of Columbus. He was an avid sports fan, always supporting the Chicago Cubs and the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. Jim cherished the time he spent with his family. Visitation will be at Roselawn Funeral Home on Sunday, June 23, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with a vigil Service at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at Sacred Heart Church on Monday June 24, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. with Fr. Hollowell officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to Sacred Heart Church or Catholic Charities. Family and friends may share memories and offer support at www.roselawnfuneralhome.net