James Albert Rowden, 90, passed away on Saturday, May 30, at his home in Ferdinand.

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He was born on August 28, 1929, in Alameda, California, to Albert and Ada (Breen) Rowden.

He served in the United States Navy from 1951 to 1955, stationed in South Korea, Japan, and Guam. He worked for decades at Aerojet and Sutter Memorial Hospital in California.

A lifelong Catholic, Jim faithfully attended Mass, prayed the rosary daily, and participated in weekly Eucharistic adoration. He loved farming, and in his spare time he managed a family plum farm for many years. He had an amazing mind and seemed able to solve any mechanical problem he encountered. He was also an outstanding cook, and his family especially appreciated his pizza and cioppino. In his retirement, he became an avid cyclist, and he continued to exercise daily until age 90. He moved with his wife to Ferdinand in 2013, where he was a member of Christ the King Parish.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Jeannine (Gagne) Rowden; and three sisters, Lois McDonald, Phyllis Hicks, and Ethel Colvin.

Jim is survived by his wife, Jeannette (Konrad) Rowden; three sons, Marc Rowden of Fairbanks, Alaska, Dan Rowden of Anchorage, Alaska, and Cash Rowden of Los Angeles; two daughters, Annette Rowden of Baltimore, and Denise (Billy) Vagliardo of Oneonta, New York; one stepdaughter, Désirée Douglas of Seven Hills, Ohio; two stepsons, Norman (Shilo) Alvis of Colorado Springs, and Robert (Andrea) Alvis of Ferdinand; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

A visitation is scheduled at Becher Funeral Home in Ferdinand from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3. A funeral Mass and burial will follow at St. Ferdinand Church at 11 a.m.