James I. "Jim" Fowler, 73, passed away on Nov. 22, 2007.
A graduate of Somerset High School, class of 1952, Jim is survived by his wife of 42 years, Nattie, and son, Jeffrey. His sister, Natalie Claunch of Augusta, Ark., also survives him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Irvine S. Fowler and Margorie Johnson Fowler, and sisters, Mary Lou Dodson and Jane Wright.
Jim had fulfilled his childhood dream to become an airplane pilot. He joined the Air Force after high school. However, as an enlisted man, there was little hope to become a pilot. Jim, being a very determined person, found time to attend college while in the service, and after earning a degree, he was accepted into the cadet program.
He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and entered flight training. Jim was assigned to the Strategic Air Command piloting bombers, including the B-52. He served his country for 14 years, and achieved the rank of captain.
After leaving military service in 1966, he became a commercial pilot for Trans World Airlines. He was a TWA pilot for 22 years until he was unfortunately diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and forced into early retirement.
He will be remembered by friends in Somerset who will regret his passing.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Albuquerque, or Presbyterian Kaseman Hospice, Albuquerque, N.M.
