James Vincent Fowler, age 79, died lovingly and peacefully surrounded by family on April 9, 2026, at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH. James (Jim) was born in Marquette, Michigan on November 19, 1946, and was raised in Republic, Michigan.

During his early years, James was active in family and church, as well as many town and local activities. As he entered his later school years, James had an outstanding sports record and reputation during his high school years at Republic Michigamme High School. James participated in several team sports, and he was a highly decorated baseball pitcher, basketball player, as well as a track athlete. He was recruited by several professional baseball teams to try out for their farm club teams; however, he chose to join the Army and serve his country instead. He received many accolades, medals, and honors for his love, dedication, and skills for the sports he played in.

Following high school, James enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam War from 1966-1970, in which he served two tours of duty. James was in the 1st Air Cavalry Airmobile Division, known as The First Team, as well as the 25th Infantry Division, known as Tropic Lightning, and many others. James earned the rank of Sargeant and was a sharpshooter. James was decorated with 2 Purple Hearts, as well as earning several medals of commendation and other honors for his bravery during his service.

Upon release from the Army, James returned to Upper Michigan and worked as an Iron Worker and mechanic for Cleveland Cliffs in both Republic and Negaunee, MI for many years. At the same time, he worked as a United Steelworkers Union Organizer and changed many businesses, ensuring that their family’s lives would change for the better.

After retiring, James moved to Rhinelander, WI in the early 2000's, where he married Susan Fowler in 2002 and built a happy and fulfilling life together. He worked diligently at Northwoods Furniture Gallery as a sales associate, where he connected deeply with his newfound community. In recent years, Susan became his advocate and gentle companion as he struggled with the challenges of Parkinsons disease.

Recently, a proper military "Thank You" ceremony was held in his honor, where he received his pinning and salute, honoring his service, which we are sure it made him proud and grateful to receive.

James possessed a witty sense of humor and was quick to share a joke with whomever he was with at the time. Though he was a jokester, he was also sensitive to others offering his help whenever needed. James was also an avid fisherman and hunter and loved spending time with his friends at local pubs. Additionally, he enjoyed playing cards, specifically Cribbage, shooting pool, and at times "dabbled" in slot machines for added entertainment.

James was predeceased by his Father Milburn Fowler, Mother Fedora Di Iulio, and Daughter Theresa Kay Fowler.

He is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Susan Fowler of Londonderry, NH, his sister, Mary Ann Zawlocki and brother in Law, James of Green Bay, WI, his brother, William Fowler of Republic, MI, his daughter, Heather Gendron and son in law, Manny of Derry, NH, his son, Matthew Fowler of Merrimack, NH, and his grandchildren: Breanna Gendron, Joshua Trudeau and his girlfriend Jackie Barrett, Allyssa Walkey and her husband, Brian Walkey, Julia Gendron and her Fiancé, Matthew Lefebvre, Jaegan Fowler, Joslyn Fowler and her Fiancé John Claude Garrett of Baltimore, MD, his nephew, Jon Zawlocki and wife Theresa of Green Bay, WI, his niece, Tara Zawlocki of Milwaukee, WI, and his great granddaughter, Audrey Lefebvre, all in which he adored and enjoyed spending time with.

On behalf of our immediate and extended family, we want to express our sincerest gratitude to his private nurse, Jennifer Clark. We would also like to thank all of the staff, volunteers, nurses, and doctors at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH who showed not only compassion and love for James during his time of passing, but also became our friends and allowed James to pass with the dignity and respect that he deserved.

Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of New Hampshire, Manchester. The family will hold an intimate celebration of life for James at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Community Hospice House 7 Executive Park Drive Merrimack, NH 03054 or made securely online at www.hhhc.org. Please consider planting a tree in his honor at this facility.