In memoriam: Jim Fowler

James Edward Fowler, the former publisher and editorial director of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries’ (ISRI’s) discontinued Scrap magazine, died Monday, Jan. 23, at his residence with his wife, Carolyn, by his side.

According to his obituary, Fowler was born May 4, 1938, in Washington and received his education in public relations at the University of Maryland in College Park. He graduated with high honors in 1962.

From 1969 to 1999, he worked at the Institute of Scrap Iron and Steel Inc. (ISIS), the predecessor to ISRI.  Dec. 31, 1999, Fowler retired as publisher and editorial director of Scrap magazine, which ISRI no longer publishes. During his tenure at ISRI, he was awarded the Public Relations Society of America's Silver Anvil Award for excellence in special events for the association’s 50th Anniversary in 1979.

As a descendant of Pilgrim William White Fowler, he was a member of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants and served in several offices in the Maryland Mayflower Society. He also was one the founding members of the Pilgrim William White Society, serving as its interim deputy governor during the organization period. When he and Carolyn relocated to Alabama, Flower also became a member of the Alabama Mayflower Society.

Fowler is preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Willie Fowler, as well as his only sister, Susan (Fowler) Kallmeyer. He leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Carolyn; his daughters, Denise Panter (Todd) of New Market, Alabama; Julia Shryock (Michael) of Hague, Virginia; Cynthia Barnes (Edward) of Skillman, New Jersey; and Laura Cable (Joseph) of Corpus Christi, Texas; 15 grandchildren, Jocelyn Merkel (Jason), James Panter (Kim), Michael Shryock Jr. (Erin), Benjamin Shryock (Stephanie), Cecilia Luna (Bernie), Hazen Shryock, Lucy Shryock, Matthew Barnes, Megan Barnes, Nicholas Barnes (Alivia), Alison Cable, Jasper Cable, Wendy Cable, Fowler Cable and Liesl Cable; 21 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a large extended family.

Services and interment were Jan. 27.

Those who want to honor Fowler’s memory may do so by donating to Camp MACOBA (c/o MBA, 2318 Whitesburg Dr., Huntsville, AL 35801). The camp was a frequent family gathering place and means a great deal to the Fowler family.