John W. Rowlands 1935-2025

Jack was born Dec. 24, 1935, in Warren, the son of Samuel and Opal Boyd Rowlands.

Jack was a Howland Tiger in every way. He lived nearly his entire life in Howland. Graduating from Howland High School in 1954, Jack met the love of his life, JoAnne Wise Rowlands, in high school, and they were married Sept. 25, 1955. Their marriage of 69 years was a true love story. Together, Jack and JoAnne raised five children, all of whom graduated from Howland High School as well. Jack was very proud of his children and the adults they have grown into.

After their marriage, Jack began working for Sears Roebuck as a shipper. He then began his career as a full-time firefighter for Howland Township. He worked his way up in the fire department and became assistant chief. Jack made eternal friendships with his fellow firefighters, and he was extremely grateful for his time spent there.

Jack retired from the fire department in 1995 and spent nearly all of his remaining years caring for horses at the Stein farm in Cortland. He loved working in the fields and the barn with the mares and their offspring. Jack also loved spending time with his buddies at Andrews, drinking coffee and sharing their views of how the world should be.

Jack and JoAnne have been long-term members of North Mar Church. He was a huge baseball fan and enjoyed watching his kids play at very competitive levels. He was a catcher on Howland High School’s 1954 state runners-up baseball team.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, JoAnne; sons, Jeff (Debbie), John (Laurel), Jerry (Julie) and Jamie (Lee Ann); daughter, Julie (Jeff); 11 grandchildren, Chelsea, Matt, Bubba, Tara, Jenna, Jilaine, Joanie, Taylor, Hayley, Lauren and David; and eight great-grandchildren, Grace, Hailey, Ryleigh, Jackson, Juliet, Tenley, Teagan and Sophie.

He was preceded in death by his father, Sam, and mother, Opal.

Services will be 11:30 a.m. Friday, June 20, 2025, at North Mar Church, where Pastor Myron Daum will officiate.

Calling hours will be 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 19, 2025, at the Carl W. Hall Funeral Home, and from 10 a.m. until service time on Friday at the church.

Interment will be in Howland Township Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Carl W. Hall Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Howland Fire Department and / or North Mar Church.

(special notice)