James W. Fowler

James Willis Fowler, CMSGT, USAF Retired passed peacefully on 15July2023 with his daughters by his side. James Willis was born 24Nov1931 to John Alexander and Sue Neal Fowler in Alfordsville Township, North Carolina.

James Willis was known to his friends and family as Jim, Chief or Pops. His first love was serving our country in the USAF. He was one of the first group of 31 from over 700 chiefs to serve three additional years to complete his 33 years of honorable service. He then went on to be employed with Civil Service for 10 years with the USN at the Pensacola NAS.

His military career included multiple tours including Alaska, Korea and two separate tours to Vietnam. He was recognized for his exemplary service throughout his career by receiving medals for the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service, Joint Service, Outstanding Unit with Valor, Organizational Excellence, National Defense, Vietnam Service and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross and many others. He received his B.A from Golden Gate College in San Francisco, Ca.

It was while stationed in Minot AFB, he met his bride of 58 years, Barbara Pearl Novak. He was at Minot AFB when his eldest daughter, Dana, was born and at Selfridge AFB when they completed their family with the birth of Stacey. The Chief brought his family to Eglin AFB and Niceville in 1972 where he served until he retired in 1983 and lived until his passing.

Jim was an avid sports fan and could be found every weekend on the Eglin golf courses with his wife and friends. It became his favorite activity after retirement. His two holes in one are proudly recognized in the Eglin Club House.

His love of athletics was passed from him to his children and grandchildren. He was an avid fan of the UNC Tarheels, Michigan State, NWF, NHS, Ruckel, Lewis, Meigs, as well as a supporter of numerous travel teams and city league programs from basketball, football, softball, gym and cheer.

A highlight for him in 2021 was being asked to throw out the first pitch for the NHS Varsity Softball military night. He came dressed in full uniform and was escorted to the pitcher’s mound by the assistant coach, Meghan Darhower, his granddaughter.

Jim was also active member of the Niceville First United Methodist Church, the Chiefs group, NWF Athletic Booster Club and the Knights Templar- Freemasons.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Sue Ellen, brother, Kenny as well as his wife, Barbara.

He is survived by his daughters, Dana (Chuck) Wilson and Stacey (Rob) Darhower; beloved grandchildren, Meghan (Brittany) Darhower, Chase (Brittan) Darhower, Chandlelyn (Calvin) Wilson and Chelsea (Jared) Dunn.

He is also survived by brothers, John Charles and Tim Fowler along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will start at 10:00 a.m. 24 July 23 prior to the funeral at 11:00 a.m. with the Interment with Military Honors to follow at Heritage Gardens Funeral Home, Niceville, Fl.

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