It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James Earl Rowley, affectionately known as Jim, of Oakfield, NY, who left us peacefully on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at his home. Born on July 5, 1939, in Orangeville, NY, to Earl W. Rowley and Marie E. (Gillmeister) Rowley, he led a life full of passion, purpose, and love.
James graduated from Barker Central High School in 1957 and began his career as a draftsman at Lobe Pump in Gasport, NY, and then at Yale and Towne in Batavia, NY. James trained on the job in the field of digital printing and scanning technologies. He worked as an Optical Engineering Technician at the Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester, NY, retiring in 2002 after twenty-plus years of service.
James married the love of his life, Constance M. (Gould) Rowley, on November 26, 1966. Together, they created countless memories and raised two wonderful daughters, Joanne, and Jennifer.
A skilled handyman, gardener, and builder, James always had a home improvement project in progress. A skilled marksman, he enjoyed shooting sports, deer hunting, fishing, bird watching, and being out in nature. A man of faith, James gave his time as a volunteer leader at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Medina, NY. His life was a testament to his values, and he will be remembered for his legacy of generosity, sense of humor, and dedication to family.
James leaves behind his loving spouse, Constance M. (Gould) Rowley, daughter, Joanne E. Caton-Frank (Ken Frank), granddaughters Rachel J. Caton and Emily M. Caton; daughter, Jennifer L. (Joseph Jr.) Ficcaglia, grandsons, Joseph Ficcaglia III and John Ficcalglia; sister, Jeanne (Roger) Meland; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Preceded in death by his parents Earl W. Rowley and Marie E. (Gillmeister) Rowley, and sister Barbara A. Rowley.
The family invites you to join them in a celebration of James’s life on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at 4:00 PM at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield, NY 14125. Calling hours begin at 2:00 PM on Sunday and will conclude at 4:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be on Monday, May 6, 2024 at 1 PM at Hartland Central Cemetery, 8541 Ridge Road, Gasport, NY 14067. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HomeCare &Hospice of Batavia, 29 Liberty Avenue, Suite #6, Batavia, NY 14020 or the American Cancer Society of WNY, 101 John James Audubon Parkway Buffalo, NY 14228.
To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.
