James Joseph Rowan III, 78, of Pottstown, PA, and formerly of Springfield, PA, passed from this life into his eternal home with His Savior the Lord Jesus Christ on Tuesday, November 22, 2022.

Known by close family as Jimmy, but more commonly Jim, was born in Philadelphia, PA on November 15, 1944, to James Joseph Rowan Jr. and Rosemary Haggarty, both of whom preceded him in death, as did his brother Jack Rowan.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 36 years, Jane Offringa Rowan, their children, Rachel Adele Johnson (Rowan) and husband Rev. Jeremy Johnson of Newtown Square, PA, Robin Rosemary Rowan of Pottstown, PA, and Jillian Alaine Hulbert (Rowan) and husband Nicholas Hulbert, of Indiana, PA. He leaves behind five grandchildren, Kaleb Rowan, Lydia, Micah & James Johnson, and Boone Hulbert, as well as two precious souls who have not yet been born. His brother Robert Rowan, of West Grove, PA also survives him.

Jim graduated from Springfield High School before going on to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from Pennsylvania Military College now called Widener University and a Master’s in civil engineering from Villanova University. While at PMC, Jim played for the college baseball team.

Jim was a long-time bridge engineer and loved his work. He had an abundance of knowledge about how bridges were constructed and could, and often would, go into great detail on the structural integrity and proper maintenance of various bridges as well as the ingenuity behind the complicated builds. He spent his entire career with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), rising to the role of District 6 Bridge Engineer until his retirement after 32 years.

Jim was a lifelong baseball fan and played on many teams throughout his life. He played with the Oregon DELCO League team up until the age of 40, and migrated to the role of manager. He also coached and helped manage various high school baseball teams at Delaware County Christian School where his daughters attended, and Westmont Christian Academy where his grandson attended, and was taken aback by the talent (or lack thereof) of his son in law’s church softball team. His favorite professional team was always the Phillies, and he was heartbroken in October when they lost to the Astros in game 6 of the World Series, but enjoyed watching nonetheless. Jim and Jane were season ticket holders and regularly attended games for the Reading Phightin’ Phils (one of the farm teams for the Phillies).

Jim was a long-time member of The Blue Church in Springfield, PA, but in recent years, moved to the Pottstown area and began worshiping at Hope Community Church in Gilbertsville, PA. He was dedicated to his role on Hope Community Church's Missions Committee in the hope of advancing the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to all people.

Jim was a devoted and loving husband. He was a patient and kind father. He was a fun and attentive pop pop. Jim was a good and decent man, who sought to honor his Savior in all that he did. Although his family will miss him dearly, they are confident that because of his unwavering faith in the Lord Jesus, he rests secure with Him now. The Bible teaches that to be away from the body is to be at home with the Lord. That was Jim’s hope in life, and it is his reality in death. Praise the Lord, for the salvation that is ours through Christ Jesus!

Family and friends are invited to attend a remembrance service for Jim on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 11:00 am in the Hope Community Church, 2732 N. Charlotte Street, Gilbertsville, PA 19525. There will be a time of visitation with the family from 10:00 am until 11:00 am.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in Jim’s name be made to one of the following churches, or to an organization with its primary goal to preach the Gospel and make disciples. It’s their prayer that any contributions would be used to advance the knowledge and understanding of the great Gift God has given to the world, His Son Jesus, and the Holy Scriptures, where, along with the created world, He has revealed Himself.

Hope Community Church
2732 N Charlotte St.
Gilbertsville, PA. 19525
www.hopegilbertsville.org

Proclamation Presbyterian
278 S Bryn Mawr Ave
Bryn Mawr, PA. 19010
www.proclamation.org

Church in the Pines
17 Carver Road
Wareham, MA. 02576
www.churchinthepines.org