James F. Nowland

James F. Nowland, 82, of Mt. Pleasant passed away Sunday, Dec. 9, 2007 at the Isabella County Medical Care Facility. Per Jims request, cremation has taken place and his funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Fr. Robert Byrne presiding and Fr. Thomas J. McNamara concelebrating. Friends may call at Lux Funeral Home on Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. with the vigil beginning at 7:30 p.m. Visitation continues at the church on Thursday from 10-11 a.m. Jim was born Sept. 28, 1925, in Grand Rapids, the son of Franklin S. and Margaret Mary (Wizorek) Nowland. Upon graduating from Sacred Heart Academy in 1944, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy Air Corp and served two years during World War II. He married Betty Harris on Oct. 6, 1951 at Sacred Heart. He started his plumbing career with Nowland Plumbing and Heating, working alongside his father and older brother, Dick. He later joined the Pipe Fitters Local 85 and took employment with Dow Corning. He had also worked for Bechtel, Gentry Mens Clothing, and Krapohl Ford. He loved to watch sports on T.V. and enjoyed playing golf and bowling. In high school he lettered in football and basketball. He also enjoyed cars. Most of all, he had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren. Jim is survived by his wife, Betty of Mt. Pleasant; two children, Timothy (Donna) Nowland of Rochester Hills and Kimberly (Brian) Crane of Mt. Pleasant; and three grandchildren, Jeremy and Christopher Nowland and Katelin Crane. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Dick and Bob Nowland. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or to the Isabella County Medical Care Facility. Envelopes are available at Lux Funeral Home.