James Gifford Fowler

James "Jim / Jimmy" Gifford Fowler III, age 76 of Mount Vernon, passed away Friday, September 19, 2025, at Country Court Nursing Home. He was born on April 26, 1949, in Ashland to the late James G. and Charlotte (Yaeger) Fowler Jr.

Jim in his younger years attended Amity United Methodist Church and youth group as well as Amity School. Jim was a 1967 graduate of Mount Vernon High School. He was a lifelong farmer with a deep passion for agriculture and livestock. He earned a bachelor's degree of Science in Agriculture from The Ohio State University in 1972 and dedicated his life to working on the Farm which was established in 1917 with his Grandpa, Dad and brother Jeff for over 50 years. Later in life he took joy in teaching, working aside, and witnessing his son Jeremiah and grandson Ethan embark in the beginnings of their farm journey. Jim contributed to a legacy of farming that is still thriving today. He and his wife Charlotte, of 39 years lived outside of Amity on a farm. Charlotte, a strong woman of faith, a devoted homemaker, and gardener helped with many things around the farm with Jim. He often quoted "Char, is still the love of my life and I have a couple of really good kids!" He enjoyed being near to his grandchildren while Char helped raise them. Jim loved working with and spending time with his hogs. He took pride in keeping the farrowing barn very clean and keeping the sows and babies happy and healthy. His specialty was running the combine, grinding feed and spraying crops. He had a love for Basset Hound dogs and owned many over the years. He also housed 2 litters of purebred puppies. Jim also enjoyed shooting target practice. Out of college Jim also drove a school bus for Mount Vernon for a few years.

Jim was an avid reader and sponge of WWII and Civil War literature. He once said if he could have dinner with three people it would be Abraham Lincoln, Jesus Christ and Adolf Hitler. He loved history and retelling the stories around the daily dinner table. Often bringing him to tears from the tragedies of war.

Jim often resorted to his best times at The Ohio State University campus where he gained the nickname "Giff." He had many stories with some of the best of friends he acquired from many cultures and regions. The diversity was something special to him.
"You can surprise your friends with a room full of shaving cream in an instant with just some simple science tubes slid under a closed dorm room door! Throwing a hamster off the top of Drackett tower doesn't end its life, but doing it twice will!" He once had a good time with football star Jim Stillwagon at North Heidelberg. The stories were endless!
He loved Ohio State football, basketball and Woody Hayes. While attending OSU his studies were a priority, and he would mention getting up early to study while his friends slept in. He would often go home on the weekends to help on the farm. Farming and providing for his family were a driving force for Jim for most of his life.

Jim also had a true love for Oldies music. The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Moody Blues, Cyndi Lauper, The Doors, and Chuck Berry to name a few of his favorites. Jim lived in or near Amity his whole life. He thoroughly loved that small town. Growing up there he enjoyed playing barn basketball, working and getting into mischief. He made some good friends there. I think many Amity residents of his time can remember Jim for waking up the town in the wee morning hours with a backfire from his farm truck on his way to do the chores. Sometimes while wearing a rubber boot on his head and his head sticking out the window. He was quite the dipper! A dipper of crackers, cookies, pie and Copenhagen! He loved popsicles, eggnog, black licorice, sweet tea and milk too. He peeled his apple with the same pocket knife he castrated the hogs with and still lived to be 76! He will always be remembered as a funny man.

His daughter Erin thanks her Dad for working so hard, teaching her that laughter truly is the best medicine and a little compassion to the lost can go a long way! "Daddy- I love you always and go Bucks!!"

Special thanks to those who helped him through his last years. Mary Ann Fowler, his niece and nurse who took care of him during his stay at the nursing facility. Ethan Fowler, Jim's grandson and favorite farm boy for helping him at home, checking in on him regularly and just being there with listening ears. Charlotte though divorced, committed herself to caring for him during his time of need.

Jim is survived by his son Jeremiah (Heather) Fowler and daughter Erin (Brian) Burger both of Mount Vernon, his grandchildren: Ethan Fowler, Austin Fowler, Abigail Fowler, Hollynne Fowler, Blaine (Caleb) Doup, Hailey Scharver, Cedric Burger, Briannah Burger, Liam Burger, great grandchildren Beckett and Sadie Doup; siblings Debra Fowler, Jodi Wright, Jeff Fowler (Bethanne), Chris Fowler (Wendi), Leah Clendening (Rob), many nieces, nephews, cousins, and Charlotte and his mother-in-law Roselie Doup most all from the knox county area.

In addition to his parents Jim is preceded in death by his grandparents, James and Lula (Rodehaver) Fowler, Earnest and Inez (Clark) Yaeger, parents, sister- in-law Beverly Fowler, niece Holly Fowler and Father-in-law Robert Doup.

There will be a private graveside service in Amity Cemetery on October 12th. Friends and family can join in a celebration of life luncheon at the Amity United Methodist Church, 16649 Wooster Road, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050 on October 12th at 2 o'clock.

Gompf Funeral Service of Cardington is honored to have been chosen to assist the Fowler family with Jim's final wishes and condolences may be expressed at www.gompffh.com.