James “Jim” Russell Fowler, age 77 of Westbrook, passed away Sunday, August 5, 2018 at Slayton Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 9, 2018 at Grace Lutheran Church in Westbrook. Visitation will be begin at 9:30 a.m. Thursday and will continue until time of service at the church. Interment will be in the Westbrook Cemetery.  Stephens Funeral Service – Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

James “Jim” Russell Fowler was born September 23, 1940 to Russell and Ella (Fredericksen) Fowler in Slayton, Minnesota.  He was raised in the Baptist faith.  Jim later was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and was a member of Grace Lutheran Church of Westbrook.  He attended Westbrook High School.  On July 1, 1962, Jim married Barbara Schweim at Grace Lutheran Church and they made their home in Westbrook.  Jim was a semi-truck driver at Sondergaard trucking of Westbrook and Ralco Products of Marshall.  He retired from trucking in 2006 and later did lawn care for the Westbrook/ Walnut Grove School for three summers.  Jim took great pride in his garden and caring for his lawn.  He enjoyed giving most of the vegetables away to friends and neighbors, especially the watermelon and cantaloupe.  Jim loved riding his moped around town and stopping for visits with his friends.

James is survived by his wife Barb of 57 years; sons: Kurt of Apple Valley and Lee of Shakopee; grandson Jeffrey (Amy) of White Rock, NM;  great granddaughter Jamie Lynn Fowler expected October 2018; sister Jane (Willie) Prahm of Shakopee; sister-in-law Judy Fowler of Perham; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother Bob Fowler.