Dearest Norma and Family,
Its been over 60 years since we last saw each other, Steve was just a small baby and I doubt you would remember.  (Before Steve was born you and Jim came to my parents home in Monroe for a family Christmas, would have been 1965 I believe).  Out of the blue I was looking up something on the computer and up popped Jim's obituary.  I was so sad and so remorseful for living so close for the last 40 years and never having kept in touch.  I thought of our wonderful childhood back in Little Rock.  We were the four musketeers there on Beech Street, "Bubba", "Janty",  "Jimbo", and little baby cousin "Keddy" (me) always tagging along just like the mischievous D'Artagnon always looking for the others to look after him.   Even though I will turn 80 in a few weeks, those memories will always be fresh in my mind, as will the first time Jim introduced my family to his beautiful bride.  I lost my Charlie a couple of years ago after 56 years together and noone understands that sense of loss more than I do.  I am thankful you are blessed with your faith and your family, as well as Janet and Jerry, lifting you up every step of the way.  Jimbo was always  sweet, kind, loving, loyal, compassionate and caring, without a selfish bone in his body.  He grew into an exemplary man who always cared much more for his family, his home, and his community than himself.  He was always the big brother I never had.   It was a privilege to have shared a small part of his life,  and an honor to be his cousin.  So Jimbo, give Uncle John, Aunt Allene, and our precious Bobby a big kiss for me, and thanks for the memories.  Karen Burks Reid, aka your cousin Keddy.
P.S.-say Hello to Uncle Larry and Aunt Franny for me

At Darby Junior High, Coach Rowland helped shape me into the person that I have become.  His wife was one of my teachers later at Northside High and contributed to that process.  Whenever my mind wanders to those years I have fond memories of them both.  I recall Coach Rowland later taking stands for what was right.   My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs Rowland and all of the family.

My heartfelt condolences to the Rowland family. Coach positively touched many lives in his coaching career and as AD for the Fort Smith Public School systems. Mine being one of them. My relationship with Coach spans over 50 years. First as an athlete at Southside then later in my life,  Coaching ( RV) at Southside Boys Basketball ( Varsity & JV) from 2009-2019. Coach was a man of high integrity . He was respected by his coaching peers, administrators, AD's and most everyone which in and of itself speaks volumes of the human that he was.  Fort Smith lost an icon, a man of dignity and respect. Coach to you I thank you for positively touching my heart and  life and literally thousands of other men and women's lives in such a positive , spiritual, respectful and classy manner.
Peace and love to the Rowland family.

So sad to hear of Jim’s passing.  He was a great coach, wonderful assistant principal, outstanding Athletic Director and a loving caring friend.  I have so many happy memories of working with him at Southside.  He will be missed.  Thoughts and prayers to all the family. 
Connie Christiansen

I will always remember Coach Rowland as a man who represented faith, integrity, hard work, discipline and motivation to his players to achieve their potential. Looking back on my days at Southside High in the mid 70’s I can honestly say Coach Rowland has been an inspiration to me through out my life. I didn’t always agree with his decisions but I respected them. 
He was always honest, tough, and pushed his team to be the best they could be.
This world needs more people like Coach Rowland. 
May God welcome you with open arms and a “Job well done.”
Rebel1975

He was an inspiration to many!

For a super man. Jim was a great example and leader for many, including me in my early days. He was my football coach his first year at Darby (my 9th grade year) and his first year at Northside (my senior year). In addition, my first year out of college I was blessed to be hired as a coach on his staff at Southside. He taught me many things at all three locations. He set an example as a coach, but mainly, he set a big example as a person and mostly as a Christian. He will be missed, but I look forward to seeing him again in heaven.

Steve and Betty Lue Capehart

Coach Rowland was one of the finest men I have ever known. He was also a natural born leader - a true role model for young people- I always knew he was there, in my career, to guide and help me anyway he could.  Coach John Mason

We are so sorry for your loss Norma. Growing up in Little Rock, we called him Jimbo. So happy to reconnect when we moved to Ft. Smith in '74. Jim was always a man of high character, impacting so many lives. Praying for you and your family.          Art & Brenda Allen

Mrs. Rowland, Family, 

So sorry for Your Loss. 
Coach Rowland was a Legend in AR Sports.  Non-Better! Class Act!
First meeting was at the Coop in Fort Smith in the early 1990's.  Coach and Billy Kilgore were looking for a special type slow-release fertilizer with sulfur for His beloved Grass Football fields at SHS & NHS.  Most of the Football players at SHS/NHS who played on Coach's grass - have no clue how much time and worry Coach gave to the event each year.  The day I heard that the FSPS Dist. was going to turf - my first thought was - Coach Rowland   would sleep much better on Friday nights and have a lot less work on Monday morning after the home games.  Later on - I would see Coach at the Yellow Umbrella enjoying some health food. 
Before I could ask how He was doing - He would always ask about my two Brothers - Jeff and Brad.  

RIP Coach Jim Rowland 
Mike Ray
Lavaca, AR.

We played ball together at UCA.  Jim was a great guy and fantastic team mate.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time.

Dain and Margaret Duvall

The few times I had the privilege of working with Coach Rowland, he was always helpful, encouraging and kind.  Since his retirement, our paths didn't cross much, but he made a positive impression on me.  

Rel Luttrell
Little Rock

If you knew Coach Rowland, he never mistreated, spoke evil about or to anyone, nor participated in gossip.  The man lived his life as God had wanted us all to live.  He had no prejudice toward race, creed, etc.,  He was always so happy to have a former FSPS student seek him out.  Always so proud of those athletes, male or female, who played any sport or activity under the AAA umbrella.  

My late husband played football under his coaching, and my husband had nothing but very high respect for Coach.  He was never Mr Rowland to anyone in the FSPS, it was always Coach.  When my husband was murdered 5 yrs ago., Coach came to our home to visit after the funeral had passed for several days.  Even then his eyes rimmed with tears and his voice quivered.  He said that he just could not believe someone could be so vicious to Bill.  He told us of how much he enjoyed Bill and knew he could always count on him to handle any problems or to seek his advice.  Coach you were and still are the most saintly person I know.  May the Angels catch him up and carry him directly to our Lord and God.  He deserves the crown that will be placed on his head.

No one, and I mean no one can ever fill coach Rowland;s shoes. He did more for Fort Smith Athletics than anyone I know! He was respected and admired by so many! He was a mentor, teacher, coach, encourager, Christian, gentleman, friend, and family man. His memory will live on in the lives that he touched.It was an honor and a privilege to know him.

So sorry for the loss of Coach Rowland and send my deepest sympathies to the family and friends. Coach Rowland was always, always very nice to everyone. I was just a little ole food service worker at Southside and he always treated me with respect and for that I have always loved and appreciated him. I will surely miss him. I know he’s in a better place now 🙏🏼

Dear Norma and Familly, Sorry 4 ur loss of ur Husband Coach Rowland. He was a nice person n very involved the Ft. Smith Schools. I remember him from going to Southside. Keeping u all in my prayers. Luv n Hugs, Lisa Beattie Evans (SouthSide Class of 1983)

Growing up in Ft. Smith (1953 - 1985), I remember Coach Rowland in various educational positions.  What a nice person with a genuine regard for others.  My sympathies to the family.

Norma, Steve, Matt, and family,
I first met Norma 53 years ago when joining Kappa Kappa Iota, a group of young local educators.  Her smile and warm sincerity set the tone for all of her family, whom I also had the pleasure of knowing.  Jim was indeed a role model for our students.  His ethical character was respected and influential in helping 
others make positive decisions.  The Rowland family will continue to  be blessed and to bless others by Jim’s loving devotion.

So very sorry for your loss, Norma.  Jim was a wonderful person

Our friendship began as freshmen at ASTC in Conway.  From then until now I never met anyone who did not admire and appreciate his genuineness, sincerity, and consistency to make everyone have special feelings just being around him. 
AC Moncrief

Deepest condolences to the Rowland family for the loss of such an iconic figure in Arkansas!  Continued thoughts and many prayers!

OBITUARY

Jim Rowland

February 18, 1941 – July 24, 2024

Edwards Funeral Home

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