James Wendell Rowan

James Wendell “Jim” Rowan, 94, of Wilmington, Delaware passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2025 in hospice care in Milford, Delaware surrounded by his family.  Born on June 13, 1930 in Altoona, Pennsylvania, he was the only child of Richard Matthew Rowan and Dorothea Elizabeth (Bockel) Rowan.

Jim is survived by his wife of 75 years, Faye Ruth Garner Rowan of Wilmington, Delaware; his daughters, Kathlene Ann Rowan Ortynsky (Taras) of Middletown, Delaware and Linda Rowan Kennedy (John) of Wilmington, Delaware; his sister, Eleanor Fiol (David) of Penny Farm, Florida; four grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. 

He was predeceased by his parents; his step-mother; his daughter, Eileen Joan Rowan Catalino (Thomas); his brother, Richard Allen Rowan. 

Jim was born in Altoona and grew up in Williamsburg, Pennsylvania.  He attended Williamsburg High School.  Following graduation, he attended Franklin and Marshall College and worked at the papermill in Williamsburg.  In 1949 he married Faye Garner.  In 1963 they moved to Newark, Delaware, where he began his career with the DuPont Company and was employed there for more than 25 years.

Following his retirement from DuPont, Jim became very active in the Praise Assembly church as a Sunday School teacher and as a volunteer in charge of senior activities.  He also volunteered in construction for other churches.  In retirement, Jim and Faye traveled extensively with a travel trailer, visiting every state in the union, though they didn’t take the trailer to Hawaii.  One of his many hobbies in later years was making hats for the homeless.

Jim was blessed with a close and wonderful family.  He was a kind, talented and dedicated father and friend who will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Family and friends are invited to visit at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Pike Creek on Wednesday, April 16 from 10:00 – 11:30AM.  Funeral services will begin at 11:30AM, immediately followed by interment at All Saints Cemetery.

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