John Paul Jowder, Jr., husband of the late Kathleen (Manz) Jowder, died peacefully on May 18, 2022 in Phoenixville Hospital after a short illness. He was born on May 20, 1936 at a residence in Spring City, PA, oldest son of John Paul Jowder, Sr. and Elizabeth (Tirpak) Jowder.

His family grew up on Hall Street and he graduated valedictorian of Class of ’54 Phoenixville High School. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church and was an altar boy. Living behind the church, he was often called on by the priest knocking on the family front door to celebrate mass. At 85, his mind was still sharp and he often reveled in recalling the names and house numbers of the customers on his childhood paper route and enjoyed sharing his memories of his home town ‘back in the day’.

He was a member of the Army National Reserve Guards and began his career in downtown Phoenixville as a manager of JJ Newberrys (now the Rec Room) where he met his future wife. Upon marriage, he moved to the Northside, becoming a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Church and employed by Container Corporation of America in Oaks. After 42 years of service, he retired from CCA and later worked for Allied Security as a guard, enjoying his post at The Vanguard Group in Malvern. He participated in many slow pitch softball teams sponsored by CCA and local companies and even played alongside his adult children in co-ed leagues at Friendship Field (Tunnel Hill, Phoenix Fed and Indian Point).

He was an avid blood donor, participating in all the company drives, sometimes even being contacted by the Red Cross as his blood type was always in need. He enjoyed going to the casinos in Atlantic City and later Valley Forge and was a regular at the craps table. After his beloved wife passed 19 years ago, he spent many weekends with a cigar and a Heinekin pony bottle at the “DawgHouse” watching Eagles and Phillies games. He especially enjoyed his family’s Sunday lunches and picnics, making sure everyone got enough to eat and drink.

He was a great dog grandpop to Bailey and Sonny when he lived with them, making sure he always shared a treat. For the past almost 7 years, he cherished his many friendships where he resided at French Creek Manor. He always remarked he had the best apartment in the place. He could often be found reading his newspapers and weekly circulars in the 2nd floor lobby, sharing his snacks and keeping the candy dish stocked. He later grew a bond with his “in-law”, Joe Hudak when he too lost his wife, and the two could often been found food shopping and enjoying long lunches at O’Gradys. He will be missed by many.

John is survived by his loving children - Linda, Marcy (Rich) Rogala, Jack and Rick (Sandy); grandchildren Stacey Rogala, Ryan (Ashley) Rogala, Johnny and Dalton Jowder; great grandson Peyton Rogala; brothers Gene and Al; sister in law Marie (Manz) White; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Bob and Andy, baby brother Thomas.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend his visitation at the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, from 10am-11am. A funeral service will begin at 11am. Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in John’s name to The American Red Cross, 4700 Mt. Hope Drive, Baltimore, MD 21215.