Jim Rowberry

April was a really emotional, hard month for our family. My dear brother-in-law passed away from a very rare and aggressive form of cancer. He found out 6 weeks before he died that he had this cancer. It took his life so suddenly and severely. I am still so heart-broken for my sister, Sarah and their 5 kids. Her youngest, Luke, is the same age as Bergen. I loved so many things about Jim and miss him dearly. He truly had a heart of gold and lived to make his wife and family happy. I wish everyone knew Jim and had the chance to talk to him. After talking with him for only 5 minutes you felt like you knew him for ages. He was very sociable and could start up a conversation with anyone. Jim's life was filled with serving others and putting others before himself. He was constantly helping other people. He was also a very spiritual person. He had such a strong testimony and would share it often. He would relate almost anything to the gospel. Jim was constantly doing things for his wife Sarah. He did most the cleaning and grocery shopping. He always did it with a smile on his face too! He was probably one of the most energetic people I know also. He was just a happy guy and I never saw him sad, mad or angry. There is a Facebook page all about Jim where people could write their memories of him down. I wrote two:

I had the opportunity to live with my sister and Jim after I graduated from college. I was trying to decide what to do with my life at that point and Jim and Sarah graciously let me stay with them for a month or so. I learned so much from Jim and his relationship with his wife and kids. I knew I wanted to find a husband like Jim that devoted his whole life to the happiness of others. I fondly remember some deep conversations we had about life and the gospel. He is also the one who taught me to put cream cheese under the tomato sauce on pizza! (yum!) Every night after Jim and Sarah would put their kids to bed, I remember little Grace and Claire always sneaking out of bed and sitting at the top of the stairs. EVERY night Jim would quietly walk up the stairs, put the girls back in their beds and walk back down. He wouldn't get angry or mad, he would just quietly go and put them back. I remember one night he probably repeated this routine about 5 times. Over and over again he would softly walk up the stairs, put the girls back in their bed and walk back down the stairs. He was gentle and patient.

I also wanted to share how Jim helped me buy my first car while I was living with them. I went to the Honda dealership and had found one I liked. The sales guys sat me down with my rep and were starting to exchange numbers back and forth with the guys in the back. I had NO idea any of this happened and in a panic I texted Sarah and Jim to come help! Jim dropped what he was doing and drove 30 minutes with Grace and Claire to help me. He started up a conversation with the guys and then started talking numbers. He had the best poker face but was very candid and joking with them too. He said a low number and they weren't willing to go that low so he said, "Ok we will leave then" so matter-of-factly and sure of himself. To my dismay he grabbed my hand and we started walking out. I was so confused and said, "Wait I really liked that car!" and under his breath he said, "Just wait and watch". We walked all the way out to the parking lot and sure enough they came running after us and gave us the number Jim had asked. I was amazed at my brother's ability to negotiate, start up conversation and his confidence! So with that, I am waiting and watching the miracles unfold.

I also wanted to include these next ones because I loved them so much and they describe Jim so well. This first one is from a family friend, Gabby: 

To Jim and Sarah's children:

Grace, your name says it all! You possess amazing musical talent just like your Daddy. I have such fond memories of him leading the primary children in song. When I hear you play the piano, the Light of Christ is always present. That was true with every interaction I had with your Dad. The day before he passed away, you held my baby girl Vivian while she was fussy. Within moments of you holding her, she became calm and angelic. Your Daddy had the same ability to calm people and make them feel at ease for who they were no matter their differences. 

Claire, your spunk and charismatic personality is an attribute your Daddy possessed as well! Before every lesson he taught in Gospel Principles, he would always break the ice with a great joke or story about something funny that happened during the week, usually involving one of you or your siblings. You have your Daddy's infectious smile, something I will never forget! 

Max, oh Max! You will always hold a special place in my heart. At the beginning of the school year, my son Liam was having a hard time feeling comfortable at school. One day he came home and said that a classmate was picking on him but that you came to his side and said "Liam is my best friend, don't pick on him!" From then on, Liam knew he had a friend for life that would be by his side no matter how different he is. It is obvious, that loyalty to your friends is one of the greatest attributes your Daddy has passed down to you! You will continue to make your father proud know matter what trials you face in your life.

Jane!!!! Your curiosity and persistence to explore independently kept your Daddy on his toes 😜. But, he loved every minute of it! Your desire for adventure and mischief is most definitely a characteristic you will always share with him. Your Daddy never stopped asking questions and neither should you. Continue to run, continue to play and continue to seek out adventure. Know that he will always be looking down on you, protecting and guiding you. Now it will just be a little bit easier for him to keep up 😀! 

Luke, may the strength and support of that your Daddy possessed delivering you into this world while your Mommy gave birth to you, be attributes you share with him forever and eternity. I truly believe that out of everyone, the veil between you and your Daddy at this exact moment in time is almost nonexistent. Your Mommy will hold you closer and tighter in the days, weeks and months to come. She knows that your spirits can still communicate with each other. May the warmth of your Daddy's love comfort her through you at this time.

This is from a family friend as well, Hayley: 

The Rowberry's moved to Colorado just 6 months after we did and we became fast friends. Our lives have been intertwined ever since with daily interactions at church, school, and activities to quality time spent camping, exploring, and going on double dates. My fondest memories of living in Colorado include spending time with them. Hearing Jim's laugh and seeing Sarah's smile was a gift. He would do anything and everything for Sarah - her happiness was his happiness. Jim had a knack for making everyone feel important and want to do better even as he was busily chasing Jane around the church halls, parking lots, and soccer and baseball fields. Last summer Max and my Ginger played on the same t-ball team. Jim and I were standing around at a game chatting about my new iPhone. I mentioned that I was worried the case wasn't so protective. Jim said, "Oh, I have that same case and I drop it all the time! You're good!" I was surprised. Really? "Oh yeah!" he replied. Then he proceeded to raise his phone to shoulder level and let gravity take it face-first straight to the concrete. He retrieved it unmarked and with dropped jaws we both laughed. "I can't believe you did that!" I said. He promptly exclaimed with his big laugh, "Me neither!" My dear friend Sarah, how I adore you and believe in you. Take all the time you need. We will continue to pray for the comfort of you and your sweet children.

I also really liked this story from another family friend: 

I ran into Jim at Target one night when Sarah was gone on a horseback riding trip. I chuckled as I watched him try to push the cart with four little helpers. When I got closer and saw the contents of the cart I burst out laughing. It was full of junk food and board games. Jim just smiled sheepishly and said "Sarah's out of town". I could tell that the kids were in for a very fun week with their dad! He then started talking animatedly about Sarah's trip and how happy he was for her. I left the store so impressed by what a supportive husband and wonderful dad he was.

I didn't know Jim well but his smile was infectious and he made everyone around him feel happy and special. My family will miss sitting behind him in church each Sunday. We loved watching Jim wrestle with Jane and try to keep her quiet for an hour and 15 minutes during Sacrament Meeting. His enthusiasm for life and for the gospel is something we will try to emulate and will never forget.

 Shortly before Jim passed away I was texting with him. I told him I wanted to get Sarah a bracelet that had a word or saying from him that she could remember during hard times. I asked him what saying he would like. He first said a few funny comments like "f cancer :)" but then said he wanted it to say, "fight fear". He wrote that saying on a piece of paper and I was able to get his handwritten saying made into a bracelet for Sarah so she has his actual handwriting on the bracelet. I really like what he chose for it to say. I know this is incredibly difficult for my sister to go through, but if there is at all a glimmer of hope and faith, I know that Jim would have wanted her to know that it will be ok. To fight the fears she has. To keep going. Press forward, and she will be able to see tiny miracles unfold. I have been so impressed by the outpour of love from her ward family and friends in Colorado. There have been countless acts of service and giving from everyone. It has truly been amazing and inspiriting to watch.
We love Jim so much and I am truly so anxious and excited for the day my sister gets to be in his arms once again.