Heaven’s light must be brighter now to gain such a loving, generous soul, Jimmy Wayne Rowlette, age 79 passed away on Monday July 25, 2022. Continually sharing his compassion and love with his family, friends, and community, even after suffering great pain and loss, Jim was a man of strong faith. As he tried to live every day with intention, he was a proud member of Highlands Fellowship Church in Abingdon, VA.

Jim was born to Gracie Mae and Millard Rowlette in Jenkins, KY on November 24, 1942. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters; Opal Kaylor, Jean Ervin, Jackie Damron, Donna Henderson, and his son Christopher Rowlette and daughter-in-law Lisa Rowlette.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife Maria Del Carmen Rowlette, beloved sons, Bobby Bowling of Roan Mtn, TN, - Philip Rowlette & wife Holly Rowlette of Dover, FL, -Five cherished grandchildren: Grant Rowlette, Gracie Rowlette, Peter Rowlette, Nicole Rowlette, Corwin Rowlette & wife Lizzie, and 2 beautiful great grandchildren. Many nieces and nephews who considered him their hero are devastated by his loss.

Growing up the son of a coal miner in a small town, Jim’s intelligence, and ability to figure out problems lead him to success. Jim’s career took him from Tennessee, to Honolulu, Hawaii, to Bethany, Oklahoma, to Kapa’a, Hawaii to Nokesville, VA, where he retired from the Federal Aviation Administration as Division Manager after 34 years. Jim then worked 6 years as a Systems Engineer and Project Manager for Boeing. After moving to Abingdon VA, Jim earned his realtor’s license and worked for Highland Realty, where he was awarded realtor of the year in 2018 by SWAR. Jim served as President of the Southwest Virginia Association of Realtors (SWAR) in 2018.

Jim was an avid boater who loved the water, a personal pilot who loved the air, and a shade tree mechanic who could build or repair just about anything, like his Delorean that he enjoyed driving in the parade of his hometown of Jenkins, KY each year. Jim will be greatly missed.

Celebration of life services will be @ Frost Funeral Home 250 East Main Street Abingdon VA 24212-0948 on Friday, August 5, 2022, at 4:00pm.

Please in lieu of flowers donate to Jim’s preferred charities- the Tunnel to Tower Foundation- www.t2t.org