Jack Rowland

Jack Lee Rowland 84 of Baltimore, Ohio where he has been a resident since 1968 passed away in 2018 at the Pickering House. He was born in 1933 in Chesterhill, Ohio to the late Clovis and Helen Rowland.

He was a graduate of Marion High School in Chesterhill, Ohio and attended Ohio University for 2 years and then graduating from the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy in 1959. Jack was a Korean Conflict veteran and served in the US Army as a military policeman to be discharged honorably on May 26, 1961.

Jack served 26 years in the Ohio State Highway Patrol, retiring as a Sergeant in 1985. He later served 21 years at the Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas as Bailiff and Probation Officer, retiring in 2006.

His wife and family was his top priority at all times. He never missed a game his children played and attended every game possible that his grandchildren played. He lived his life around his family and always gave freely and generously to them. He was always the first to recognize talent and ability, to give sound advice and encouragement and represent the best interests of his children and grandchildren to their coaches with dignity and respect.

Jack played basketball in high school making 1415 points for his team and was given the privilege of naming his team, the Marion Blue Devils. He always taught that to be a good shooter, you had to make at least 100 foul shots in a row a day. In newspaper accounts, he earned the title of “Swish Rowland.” He went on to play in the military and at Ohio University. His favorite team was the Boston Celtics and his favorite player was Bill Russell.

He played baseball in high school, college and in the military. He was a pitcher and tried out for a Yankees farm team. His favorite team was the New York Yankees and he once pitched to Willie Mays.

Jack golfed in the Baltimore Golf League and bowled at Starlight Lanes in Baltimore. He loved to watch and go to the movies. He loved remembering old movies and the great actors and actresses. Jack loved swimming and he attended Bonnie Clark’s swim class at the Olivedale Senior Citizens Center in Lancaster.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife and family, Anna Louise Lemaster Rowland that he married in May 1959; children, David L. (Amie) Rowland, Jacqueline K. Rowland Perry (Kenneth) and Dana E. (Brenda) Rowland; grandchildren, Jessica Rowland Foster (Joshua), Seth (Lindsey) Rowland, Emmett (Morgan Kirkbride) Rowland, McKenzie (fiancé Jacob Reeves) Perry, Kyle Perry, Jaden Rowland , Jack Rowland and Gavin Rowland; great grandchildren, Kali, Hayden, Aaryn, Levi and Asa (Jessica) Foster, Braxton and Jensen (Emmett) Rowland and Jaxen (Seth) Rowland; sister, Carol Price; nieces and nephews, Roger Mesecher, Sherri (Leonard) Brower, Debi Mellott, Pat Price, Lois Price and Danny Price.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brothers-in-law, Maxine and Cotton Mesecher and Bob Price.

Funeral service will be held Friday, January 19, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in the JOHNSON-SMITH FUNERAL HOME CHAPEL, 207 S. MAIN ST., BALTIMORE, OHIO 43105 with Pastor Joel Seymour of the Lancaster Vineyard officiating. Caring Cremation® to follow. Friends may visit Thursday from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial gifts may be given to The Pickering House, 282 Sells Rd. Lancaster, Ohio 43130 in his memory.

To send an online condolence, and sign the guest book, please visit www.funeralhome.com.

Visitation

5:00 PM - 8:00 PM ,Thursday, January 18, 2018
Johnson-Smith Funeral Home
207 S Main St. Baltimore, OH 43105

Funeral Service

10:00 AM ,Friday, January 19, 2018
Johnson-Smith Funeral Home Chapel
207 S. Main St. Baltimore, Ohio 43105