04/30/2018

Obituary for James Nelson Blower

Past President of OFDA

ATHENS- James Nelson Blower, age 77, of Athens died Saturday morning, April 28, 2018, at The Laurels of Athens.  Born Oct. 13, 1940 in Athens, he was the son of the late Willis & Ethel Gardner Blower.

Jim was a graduate of Glouster High School, attended Ohio University and Rio Grande College, and then received his degree in Mortuary Science from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science.  He began his career as a funeral director in Columbus working for the Rutherford Funeral Home.  He later owned and operated the James N. Blower Funeral Home in McArthur and Wellston, Hughes-Blower Funeral Home in Athens, Rawlings-Coats- Blower Funeral Home in Middleport, and the White-Blower Funeral Home in Coolville and Belpre.  Jim ended his funeral service career, coming full circle, by working at Rutherford Funeral Home in Columbus.

Jim served as a volunteer fireman on the McArthur Fire Dept., a job he dearly loved.  He was a paramedic serving Vinton County and the surrounding area.  He started and operated the Southeastern Ohio Emergency Medical Services (SEOEMS) Station in McArthur.  He was a member of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association and had served as President in 1987.  He was a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, a longtime member of the Glouster United Methodist Church and had been attending the Roman Roads Church at The Laurels.  He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and a Shriner for several years. 

Jim was a people person; he loved giving food baskets and turkeys to the needy at Christmas time.  He did this quietly, always willing to help people without reward.  He touched many lives and will be truly missed.  He enjoyed boating at The Ohio River, eating Breakfast with his friends at McDonalds every morning and was an avid Ohio State Football and Trimble Tomcat Fan.

Jim is survived by his son, Willis Blower of Dayton Beach, FL; his daughter and son in law, Jami and Greg Koons of Jacksonville; his grandchildren, Kelsie Schwarzel of Carolina Beach, NC, Skylar Schwarzel of Athens, Peyton Koons of Jacksonville, Halli & Megan Blower both of Ormond Beach, FL; his great grandchildren, Sophia & Brie of Fla.; and his close friend and ex-wife, Dixie Blower of Port Orange, FL.  He is also survived by his special family of Athens, Judy Laughlin, his longtime companion, and her daughter, Heather;  and Heather’s  sons, Jayden & Jorden Laughlin all of Athens.

Besides his parents he is preceded in death by a great grandson, Kale of Ormond Beach, FL.

Funeral service will be conducted Wednesday, May 2nd, at Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens with Pastor Barry Bolin officiating.  Burial will be in Elk Cemetery, McArthur.  Calling hours will be from noon until 2pm with the service immediately following on Wednesday, at the funeral home.  Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online registerbook at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.