Jimmy Lynn Fowler of Myron, Arkansas was born to Willie Cleve Fowler and Tressie Agnos Clifft Fowler on their family homestead in Hickory Flat, Izard County, Arkansas on September 30, 1943. On September 9, 1962, he married Charlotte Kay Estes in Ash Flat and together they raised their three children in Melbourne. On February 8, 2024, Jim passed away on the same family homestead in Hickory Flat. On Saturday, he was transported by horse and wagon to be laid to rest in the Godwin Cemetery.
After graduating from Violet Hill High School in 1961, Jim went on to earn his BS in Agricultural Education at Arkansas State University where his exceptional horsemanship skills landed him the opportunity to be the first Indian Brave Mascot and subsequently the prestigious role of Chief Big Track III. He rode his horse bareback at home ASU football games, taking a lap around the field after every touchdown.
Jim taught Agri at Strawberry High School before moving to Salem and teaching there for several years. He completed his professional career with the Farmer’s Home Administration (USDA) where he served for thirty years.
Married for 61 years, Jim was a Christian and known as Dad, Pawpaw, and a true Cowboy. His love of horses was a contagious one that he enjoyed sharing with many local buckaroos. He lived a full life with his family, rodeoing, horse trading, horse showing, and cattle ranching at his farm on the Strawberry River.
Jim got bucked off many times in his life, but he always got back in the saddle.
He maintained his wit, dry sense of humor, and sharp mind until the very end. When he could no longer go on trial rides or drive his tractor on the farm, he found green pastures by immersing himself in the Stock Market, trading stocks until his last moments; because one way or another. He was always an active participant in life.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Billy Don Fowler. Survivors include his wife Charlotte Fowler, daughter Karen Fowler (Bill Demmons), sons Frank Fowler and Barry Fowler, grandsons Wyatt Fowler and Cash Fowler, brother-in-law Tommy Estes, sister-in-law Carolyn Estes, and sisterly first cousin Linda Carol Clifft Cooper.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the caregivers who helped Jim stay in his home for the past year: Ashley, Sheila, Melodie, and especially Connie Pate, whose dedication and compassion made his last days happy and bright.
Sincere appreciation to graveside speakers Sanders Lee Wyatt and Van Thomas; and pallbearers: Wyatt Fowler, Cash Fowler, Kendall Morrison, Larry Jackson, Kenny McCullough, Rick Pate, Lyndal Cooper, Larry Hall, Kendall Stroud, Danny Perryman, Denny Perryman, Jerry Moody, Gene McBride, and Lloyd Davis, Jr.
