James Wiley Fowler

James W. Fowler III, Prominent Practical Theologian and Ethicist, Dies at 75

James W. Fowler, distinguished Howard Candler Professor of Theology and Human Development at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, was Director of both the Center for Research on Faith and Moral Development and the Center for Ethics, and also served as an ordained elder in the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. Dr. Fowler, a leader in shaping a new understanding of faith and practical theology in the twentieth century, died peacefully, surrounded by his family, on the morning of October 16.

He is survived by his wife, Lurline Locklair Fowler, sister Margaret Fowler McCleskey and brother-in-law Lawrence McCleskey, sister Nina Elizabeth Fowler and her dear friend Helen House; daughter Joan Smythie Fowler Ray and her spouse Kellie Louise Ryan, and grandsons Nathan James Ray and Alexander Graydon Ray; and daughter Margaret Lesesne Adams and her spouse Robert Denson Adams, and granddaughters Mary Grace Lesesne and Anna Lucia Lesesne. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and their children.

Jim loved his work, music and singing, and the mountains of Western North Carolina. Most deeply, he loved his family. Strengthened by a profound abiding personal faith in God, Jim lived a full and accomplished life, maintaining remarkable courage and grace during his battle with Alzheimer's disease. He faced each day with an infectious enthusiasm and never lost his essential kernel of caring and concern for others. Jim transitioned from this life on a beautiful fall day with the people he cherished by his side at Fountainview Center for Alzheimer's Disease where he was lovingly cared for by his devoted wife and excellent staff for the last year of his life. His final gift of love to his family was the donation of his neurological organs to the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at Emory University.

We will celebrate the life of James Wiley Fowler III on Saturday, October 24, at 2:00pm in the sanctuary of Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church on the Emory University campus. A reception will follow in the Ward Fellowship Hall.

A committal and memorial service will be held in the Lake Junaluska Chapel on Sunday November 1st at 3:00 pm

The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory to the Candler School of Theology and The Emory Center for Ethics.

Feel free to leave the family your condolences via the guest book provided.

Funeral Home:
A. S. Turner & Sons
2773 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033