James Emery Mowder

James Emery “Jim” Mowder, age 82 of Rootstown, Ohio, beloved father and grandfather, and highly respected mentor and friend, is experiencing the unveiled glory and holiness of God, having passed away on Palm Sunday, March 20, 2016.

He was born April 14, 1933, in Virginville, West Virginia, to parents Clarence Wesley and Erma Gladys (Hanlin) Mowder. Jim proudly served in the US Air Force during the Korean War. His working career began at Wheeling Steel, where he worked for nearly 20 years.

Jim’s main passion in life was sharing the Gospel. He was the minister for several local Church of Christ congregations, including Wadsworth, Painesville, Ravenna, Parma, and Kent. Jim retired from fulltime ministry in 2011 but continued to preach at least once a month and teach Bible study classes. He also developed a lecture series called Behold!, proclaiming the glory and holiness of God, which he presented nationally and internationally.

Jim enjoyed working with his hands and sharing his talents. He enjoyed gardening and woodworking. He also had a great singing voice and led singing classes at many congregations. Jim was active with many camps, retreats, and lectureships, where he shared his deep and strong faith in God.

Jim is survived by his children Jamie (Lloyd) Vanderveer, Melissa Mowder, and James E. Mowder II; grandsons Christopher, Nicholas, Joel, and Luke; as well as several nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his precious bride Barbara Jean Mowder on February 28, 2015. He was also preceded by his parents, his brother Bill Mowder, and his sister Marlene Mowder.

Friends will be received Thursday, March 24, 2016, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home, 703 E. Main St., Ravenna, where funeral services will be officiated by Mr. Woody Biggs on Friday at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Homeland Cemetery in Rootstown with military honors provided by the US Air Force and VFW Post 1055.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Institute for Creation Research, www.icr.org, P.O. Box 59029, Dallas, TX 75229.

A special “Thank You” to the 2nd floor nursing staff at UH Portage Medical Center, Robinson Visiting Nurse and Hospice, and the Rootstown Fire Department and EMTs.