Jim Bob Rowland

Jim Bob Rowland, 87, of Liberty, MO, passed away on August 22, 2024. He passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born in Salem, AR on November 11, 1936, the only child to Clarence and Irma Rowland. He served in the United States Marines from January 1956 until 1959. On August 16,1958. Jim married the love of his life LeFreda Cotter. They spent 66 years together and raised 3 dedicated kids. After working 30 years at Ford and living in Kansas City he retired to Pittsburg MO, Pomme De Terre Lake where they enjoyed 26 years of boating, fishing, water skiing and swimming with the family. Through the years there were many sunburns where Frete used vinegar to soothe the burns. So many great memories and new friends were made during the Pittsburg years. Jim and Frete loved to travel. They spent many vacations trekking across the country pulling their fifth wheel trailer. From Yellowstone to Washington DC and the Smoky Mountains and many, many trips to Branson. They even took a trip to Israel to walk the land of the Savior. When most retirees went south for the winter, Jim and Frete chose to go north to snow country. They developed a special passion for snowmobiling, traveling to Idaho for 13 snowy winters. In later years they started taking cruises with their kids. In all their travels, with family and friends, they took many pictures and made many wonderful memories. They attended Bethel Southern Baptist Church in Pittsburg, MO. 

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, LeFreda Rowland of Liberty, MO and his children, Colleen Peters (spouse, Wes Peters) of Kansas City, MO, Terry Rowland (spouse, Cindia Rowland) of Liberty, MO and Richard Rowland (spouse, Paula Rowland) of Buckner, MO. Grandchildren: Rachel Thomas (spouse, Barrett), Brooke Hoffman, Derek Peters, Keith Rowland, Kevin Rowland (spouse, Jessica), Savannah Duran (spouse, Mitch), Kyle Rowland, Jeremy Rowland (spouse, Lauren). Great Grandchildren: Brynn Hoffman, Cameron Thomas, Aiden Thomas, Grace Rowland, Bethany Rowland, Haven Duran, Pippa Duran and Abel Duran. Brothers: Duane Cotter (spouse, Linda) of Bakersfield, MO, Ewell Cotter (Spouse, Patsy) of Bakersfield, MO and sisters: Jecquita Durham of West Plains, MO, Verlene Miller of Marshfield, MO, Eudene Legg (spouse, Bob) and Blue Springs, MO.

Jim was preceded in death by parents: Clarence and Irma Rowland; In-Laws: Okus and Lucy Cotter and brothers-in-law: Larry Miller, Chuck Durham, Garold Cotter.

 Pallbearers include: Barret Thomas, Derek Peters, Keith Rowland, Kevin Rowland, Kyle Rowland and Jeremy Rowland

Funeral services will be Sunday, August 25, 2024, beginning at 2:00 PM in the Doty Family Funeral Service Chapel in Salem, Arkansas. Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow in the Salem Cemetery in Salem, Arkansas. 

 The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff of Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care for the tremendous support and compassionate care they provided during this difficult time. They truly lightened our load and helped Dad have a peaceful journey into the Kingdom of God.