James "Tank" Dowling, 37, died suddenly on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 in Jacksonville, Florida. He leaves his loving parents whom will always cherish his memory, Layton Alton and Saundra Dowling, two brothers Mike (Kerrie) Dowling, Chris (Sarah) Dowling, along with 4 nephews and 1 niece. James also leaves his step-granddaughter Milee Beth Nugiba of Ragley, Louisiana. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Von Henry "Jiggs" Dowling(1925 - 1992)* and Mavis Helen Hutchison Dowling (1933 - 2004)*,Martha Virleen Henry Dixon(1937 - 2012)* and Winford Dixon(1935 - 2010)*. James, a Florida native, lived primarily in Texas and Louisiana until returning to live in Callahan, FL in 2013. He was employed in the construction field and considered himself a "jack-of-all-trades". James could often be found fishing. Always going for the "big one" that always seemed to break his line, or even his rod, just before he could land it. He loved playing his guitar with his father Alton and nephew Devin Dowling, as James would sing-along for the entire family. James never passed anyone in need of help without stopping to lend a hand or put a smile on their faces. James was always considered to be the toughest man in the world, yet he always had a soft spot for family and would sacrifice any and everything to do something for his loved ones in need. Long known for his positive outlook on life, kind heart, and his sense of humor, James love life itself and placed his family closer in his heart than anything else. He was truly a strong bond that held this family together during hard times and will never be replaced or forgotten. We love you and will miss you always Uncle Tank.
A memorial service will be held Friday, January 2, 2015 at 2 p.m. at Pierce Chapel United Methodist Church Pierce Chapel Road Waycross, GA 31503. James will be laid to rest beside his grandfather Von "Jiggs" Henry Dowling. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the JACKSONVILLE AIRPORT USO 6801 Roosevelt Blvd NAS Jacksonville, NAS Jacksonville, FL 32212 in his name. Integrity Cremations of Jacksonville, FL and Miles - Odum Funeral Home in Waycross, GA will be assisting the family.
I wrote this on Jan 4, 2015 and posted it on my Facebook. I pray that you understand the importance of this message.
House is quite, family has made it back to their homes safe and sound and I am thankful to God for that. But what I would give to do a rewind of our lives starting on Dec 23, 2014. My heart aches to the point I just don't want to feel anymore. If it were not for my faith in God, my love for Alton, our other 2 sons, grand kids, sister and daughter in laws along with friends, I don't think I can make it this time.
I could never have imagine the depth pain a father and mother could feel with the loss of a child until now. When I was crying out to God how much my pain was unbearable and how could I go on without our middle son, James. God seem to whisper to my heart "by taking one step at a time and lean on me for I will carry you if you will only let me. " My soul cried out again. God, how can you let me as a mother who carried this child, raised him, kissed his tears away when he hurt, loved him, watched as he grew into a man and went out into the world, let me feel the hurt and unspeakable pain of losing him that I am feeling now?
Then I thought of Mary. Mary carried Christ, she kissed his face as a young child when he fell and hurt, she watched him grow and become a man who went out into the world. She felt the pain and despair of losing her son. But Mary also had to endured seeing his pain as he was whipped, cussed, kicked, and nailed to the cross. She stood at his feet while he was hanging on the cross and saw her son as he took upon his shoulders the entire weight of all mankind's sins, but Mary knew that with her son Jesus Christ's death, my son was given a chance to have everlasting life. She did not ask for a rewind, even though as a mother her pain was far more greater than mine. I know Mary must have rejoiced in the fact that death was defeated when her son Jesus Christ rose from the grave.
We know our son, James knew the Lord and we know he loved the Lord, but we also know that the pull of this world was great and Satan is a liar who comes only to "steal and kill and destroy." (John 10:10 New International Version (NIV)
We do not know what possibly could have transposed between James and Christ as his last breath was being drawn. But this I do know our God is a loving God, our God is a merciful God, our God is a God of judgment. I pray that God extended his arms to James and asked him "do you know me?" I have no doubt that James answered "Yes Lord I Know you"
People, Jesus is knocking at the door all we have to do is answer it. Answering that simple knock changes us, changes our family, changes darkness into LIGHT!
My plead to you all is simply this... do not leave love ones to wander where you are, don't allow Satan to destroy your life with drugs, sin, and rob you of the joy and peace of God's promise of EVERLASTING LIFE! Don't let a single day go by that you don't ask for forgiveness and offer a prayer for you and your family. We are at war with Satan, make no doubt about it. We will have valleys to cross and mountains to climb but with God at our side who can stand against us? And when we fall short as we will for we are but human, know that God's forgiveness is there! Just take the time and listen can't you hear the knocking? Jesus is at the door. Turn the handle let HIS LOVE change, mend, and open your heart to everlasting life. Never leave your love ones the pain of not knowing but leave them rejoicing for they know you are in the loving arms of God almighty.
James so look forward to the Christmas Day dinner at our home where we as his family have always gathered. His last words we all shared the Wed before his death on Tues was of love and his concern that I was sick with the flu. He stood in my bedroom door and told me, "Mom you know I love you guys, more than my next breath" "and I hope you feel better soon, after all you have to cook us Christmas Day dinner and your dressing is the bomb" I told him "I love you to son" He spoke to his dad as he was leaving with a Christmas tree for the kids, "thanks pops for getting us the tree tell mom if she isn't better we can all get together after Christmas when she is feels better." "Pops you know I love you" James did not take his own life but the drugs he was given did. James loved his family as he often stated "more than his next breath" So we all the family of James say back to him, "WE LOVE YOU MORE THAN OUR NEXT BREATH" your loving parents, brothers, nephews and niece.
James, if I could get another chance, another walk, another dance with you son.....I'd play a song that would never ever end, how I'd love ....to dance with you again ..." James know you are loved and your spirit is inside my heart and will remain until the good Lord calls my number! Love you always, mom
A memorial service will be held Friday, January 2, 2015 at 2 p.m. at Pierce Chapel United Methodist Church Pierce Chapel Road Waycross, GA 31503. James will be laid to rest beside his grandfather Von "Jiggs" Henry Dowling. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the JACKSONVILLE AIRPORT USO 6801 Roosevelt Blvd NAS Jacksonville, NAS Jacksonville, FL 32212 in his name. Integrity Cremations of Jacksonville, FL and Miles - Odum Funeral Home in Waycross, GA will be assisting the family.
I wrote this on Jan 4, 2015 and posted it on my Facebook. I pray that you understand the importance of this message.
House is quite, family has made it back to their homes safe and sound and I am thankful to God for that. But what I would give to do a rewind of our lives starting on Dec 23, 2014. My heart aches to the point I just don't want to feel anymore. If it were not for my faith in God, my love for Alton, our other 2 sons, grand kids, sister and daughter in laws along with friends, I don't think I can make it this time.
I could never have imagine the depth pain a father and mother could feel with the loss of a child until now. When I was crying out to God how much my pain was unbearable and how could I go on without our middle son, James. God seem to whisper to my heart "by taking one step at a time and lean on me for I will carry you if you will only let me. " My soul cried out again. God, how can you let me as a mother who carried this child, raised him, kissed his tears away when he hurt, loved him, watched as he grew into a man and went out into the world, let me feel the hurt and unspeakable pain of losing him that I am feeling now?
Then I thought of Mary. Mary carried Christ, she kissed his face as a young child when he fell and hurt, she watched him grow and become a man who went out into the world. She felt the pain and despair of losing her son. But Mary also had to endured seeing his pain as he was whipped, cussed, kicked, and nailed to the cross. She stood at his feet while he was hanging on the cross and saw her son as he took upon his shoulders the entire weight of all mankind's sins, but Mary knew that with her son Jesus Christ's death, my son was given a chance to have everlasting life. She did not ask for a rewind, even though as a mother her pain was far more greater than mine. I know Mary must have rejoiced in the fact that death was defeated when her son Jesus Christ rose from the grave.
We know our son, James knew the Lord and we know he loved the Lord, but we also know that the pull of this world was great and Satan is a liar who comes only to "steal and kill and destroy." (John 10:10 New International Version (NIV)
We do not know what possibly could have transposed between James and Christ as his last breath was being drawn. But this I do know our God is a loving God, our God is a merciful God, our God is a God of judgment. I pray that God extended his arms to James and asked him "do you know me?" I have no doubt that James answered "Yes Lord I Know you"
People, Jesus is knocking at the door all we have to do is answer it. Answering that simple knock changes us, changes our family, changes darkness into LIGHT!
My plead to you all is simply this... do not leave love ones to wander where you are, don't allow Satan to destroy your life with drugs, sin, and rob you of the joy and peace of God's promise of EVERLASTING LIFE! Don't let a single day go by that you don't ask for forgiveness and offer a prayer for you and your family. We are at war with Satan, make no doubt about it. We will have valleys to cross and mountains to climb but with God at our side who can stand against us? And when we fall short as we will for we are but human, know that God's forgiveness is there! Just take the time and listen can't you hear the knocking? Jesus is at the door. Turn the handle let HIS LOVE change, mend, and open your heart to everlasting life. Never leave your love ones the pain of not knowing but leave them rejoicing for they know you are in the loving arms of God almighty.
James so look forward to the Christmas Day dinner at our home where we as his family have always gathered. His last words we all shared the Wed before his death on Tues was of love and his concern that I was sick with the flu. He stood in my bedroom door and told me, "Mom you know I love you guys, more than my next breath" "and I hope you feel better soon, after all you have to cook us Christmas Day dinner and your dressing is the bomb" I told him "I love you to son" He spoke to his dad as he was leaving with a Christmas tree for the kids, "thanks pops for getting us the tree tell mom if she isn't better we can all get together after Christmas when she is feels better." "Pops you know I love you" James did not take his own life but the drugs he was given did. James loved his family as he often stated "more than his next breath" So we all the family of James say back to him, "WE LOVE YOU MORE THAN OUR NEXT BREATH" your loving parents, brothers, nephews and niece.
James, if I could get another chance, another walk, another dance with you son.....I'd play a song that would never ever end, how I'd love ....to dance with you again ..." James know you are loved and your spirit is inside my heart and will remain until the good Lord calls my number! Love you always, mom
James "Tank" Dowling, 37, died suddenly on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 in Jacksonville, Florida. He leaves his loving parents whom will always cherish his memory, Layton Alton and Saundra Dowling, two brothers Mike (Kerrie) Dowling, Chris (Sarah) Dowling, along with 4 nephews and 1 niece. James also leaves his step-granddaughter Milee Beth Nugiba of Ragley, Louisiana. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Von Henry "Jiggs" Dowling(1925 - 1992)* and Mavis Helen Hutchison Dowling (1933 - 2004)*,Martha Virleen Henry Dixon(1937 - 2012)* and Winford Dixon(1935 - 2010)*. James, a Florida native, lived primarily in Texas and Louisiana until returning to live in Callahan, FL in 2013. He was employed in the construction field and considered himself a "jack-of-all-trades". James could often be found fishing. Always going for the "big one" that always seemed to break his line, or even his rod, just before he could land it. He loved playing his guitar with his father Alton and nephew Devin Dowling, as James would sing-along for the entire family. James never passed anyone in need of help without stopping to lend a hand or put a smile on their faces. James was always considered to be the toughest man in the world, yet he always had a soft spot for family and would sacrifice any and everything to do something for his loved ones in need. Long known for his positive outlook on life, kind heart, and his sense of humor, James love life itself and placed his family closer in his heart than anything else. He was truly a strong bond that held this family together during hard times and will never be replaced or forgotten. We love you and will miss you always Uncle Tank.
A memorial service will be held Friday, January 2, 2015 at 2 p.m. at Pierce Chapel United Methodist Church Pierce Chapel Road Waycross, GA 31503. James will be laid to rest beside his grandfather Von "Jiggs" Henry Dowling. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the JACKSONVILLE AIRPORT USO 6801 Roosevelt Blvd NAS Jacksonville, NAS Jacksonville, FL 32212 in his name. Integrity Cremations of Jacksonville, FL and Miles - Odum Funeral Home in Waycross, GA will be assisting the family.
I wrote this on Jan 4, 2015 and posted it on my Facebook. I pray that you understand the importance of this message.
House is quite, family has made it back to their homes safe and sound and I am thankful to God for that. But what I would give to do a rewind of our lives starting on Dec 23, 2014. My heart aches to the point I just don't want to feel anymore. If it were not for my faith in God, my love for Alton, our other 2 sons, grand kids, sister and daughter in laws along with friends, I don't think I can make it this time.
I could never have imagine the depth pain a father and mother could feel with the loss of a child until now. When I was crying out to God how much my pain was unbearable and how could I go on without our middle son, James. God seem to whisper to my heart "by taking one step at a time and lean on me for I will carry you if you will only let me. " My soul cried out again. God, how can you let me as a mother who carried this child, raised him, kissed his tears away when he hurt, loved him, watched as he grew into a man and went out into the world, let me feel the hurt and unspeakable pain of losing him that I am feeling now?
Then I thought of Mary. Mary carried Christ, she kissed his face as a young child when he fell and hurt, she watched him grow and become a man who went out into the world. She felt the pain and despair of losing her son. But Mary also had to endured seeing his pain as he was whipped, cussed, kicked, and nailed to the cross. She stood at his feet while he was hanging on the cross and saw her son as he took upon his shoulders the entire weight of all mankind's sins, but Mary knew that with her son Jesus Christ's death, my son was given a chance to have everlasting life. She did not ask for a rewind, even though as a mother her pain was far more greater than mine. I know Mary must have rejoiced in the fact that death was defeated when her son Jesus Christ rose from the grave.
We know our son, James knew the Lord and we know he loved the Lord, but we also know that the pull of this world was great and Satan is a liar who comes only to "steal and kill and destroy." (John 10:10 New International Version (NIV)
We do not know what possibly could have transposed between James and Christ as his last breath was being drawn. But this I do know our God is a loving God, our God is a merciful God, our God is a God of judgment. I pray that God extended his arms to James and asked him "do you know me?" I have no doubt that James answered "Yes Lord I Know you"
People, Jesus is knocking at the door all we have to do is answer it. Answering that simple knock changes us, changes our family, changes darkness into LIGHT!
My plead to you all is simply this... do not leave love ones to wander where you are, don't allow Satan to destroy your life with drugs, sin, and rob you of the joy and peace of God's promise of EVERLASTING LIFE! Don't let a single day go by that you don't ask for forgiveness and offer a prayer for you and your family. We are at war with Satan, make no doubt about it. We will have valleys to cross and mountains to climb but with God at our side who can stand against us? And when we fall short as we will for we are but human, know that God's forgiveness is there! Just take the time and listen can't you hear the knocking? Jesus is at the door. Turn the handle let HIS LOVE change, mend, and open your heart to everlasting life. Never leave your love ones the pain of not knowing but leave them rejoicing for they know you are in the loving arms of God almighty.
James so look forward to the Christmas Day dinner at our home where we as his family have always gathered. His last words we all shared the Wed before his death on Tues was of love and his concern that I was sick with the flu. He stood in my bedroom door and told me, "Mom you know I love you guys, more than my next breath" "and I hope you feel better soon, after all you have to cook us Christmas Day dinner and your dressing is the bomb" I told him "I love you to son" He spoke to his dad as he was leaving with a Christmas tree for the kids, "thanks pops for getting us the tree tell mom if she isn't better we can all get together after Christmas when she is feels better." "Pops you know I love you" James did not take his own life but the drugs he was given did. James loved his family as he often stated "more than his next breath" So we all the family of James say back to him, "WE LOVE YOU MORE THAN OUR NEXT BREATH" your loving parents, brothers, nephews and niece.
James, if I could get another chance, another walk, another dance with you son.....I'd play a song that would never ever end, how I'd love ....to dance with you again ..." James know you are loved and your spirit is inside my heart and will remain until the good Lord calls my number! Love you always, mom
A memorial service will be held Friday, January 2, 2015 at 2 p.m. at Pierce Chapel United Methodist Church Pierce Chapel Road Waycross, GA 31503. James will be laid to rest beside his grandfather Von "Jiggs" Henry Dowling. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the JACKSONVILLE AIRPORT USO 6801 Roosevelt Blvd NAS Jacksonville, NAS Jacksonville, FL 32212 in his name. Integrity Cremations of Jacksonville, FL and Miles - Odum Funeral Home in Waycross, GA will be assisting the family.
I wrote this on Jan 4, 2015 and posted it on my Facebook. I pray that you understand the importance of this message.
House is quite, family has made it back to their homes safe and sound and I am thankful to God for that. But what I would give to do a rewind of our lives starting on Dec 23, 2014. My heart aches to the point I just don't want to feel anymore. If it were not for my faith in God, my love for Alton, our other 2 sons, grand kids, sister and daughter in laws along with friends, I don't think I can make it this time.
I could never have imagine the depth pain a father and mother could feel with the loss of a child until now. When I was crying out to God how much my pain was unbearable and how could I go on without our middle son, James. God seem to whisper to my heart "by taking one step at a time and lean on me for I will carry you if you will only let me. " My soul cried out again. God, how can you let me as a mother who carried this child, raised him, kissed his tears away when he hurt, loved him, watched as he grew into a man and went out into the world, let me feel the hurt and unspeakable pain of losing him that I am feeling now?
Then I thought of Mary. Mary carried Christ, she kissed his face as a young child when he fell and hurt, she watched him grow and become a man who went out into the world. She felt the pain and despair of losing her son. But Mary also had to endured seeing his pain as he was whipped, cussed, kicked, and nailed to the cross. She stood at his feet while he was hanging on the cross and saw her son as he took upon his shoulders the entire weight of all mankind's sins, but Mary knew that with her son Jesus Christ's death, my son was given a chance to have everlasting life. She did not ask for a rewind, even though as a mother her pain was far more greater than mine. I know Mary must have rejoiced in the fact that death was defeated when her son Jesus Christ rose from the grave.
We know our son, James knew the Lord and we know he loved the Lord, but we also know that the pull of this world was great and Satan is a liar who comes only to "steal and kill and destroy." (John 10:10 New International Version (NIV)
We do not know what possibly could have transposed between James and Christ as his last breath was being drawn. But this I do know our God is a loving God, our God is a merciful God, our God is a God of judgment. I pray that God extended his arms to James and asked him "do you know me?" I have no doubt that James answered "Yes Lord I Know you"
People, Jesus is knocking at the door all we have to do is answer it. Answering that simple knock changes us, changes our family, changes darkness into LIGHT!
My plead to you all is simply this... do not leave love ones to wander where you are, don't allow Satan to destroy your life with drugs, sin, and rob you of the joy and peace of God's promise of EVERLASTING LIFE! Don't let a single day go by that you don't ask for forgiveness and offer a prayer for you and your family. We are at war with Satan, make no doubt about it. We will have valleys to cross and mountains to climb but with God at our side who can stand against us? And when we fall short as we will for we are but human, know that God's forgiveness is there! Just take the time and listen can't you hear the knocking? Jesus is at the door. Turn the handle let HIS LOVE change, mend, and open your heart to everlasting life. Never leave your love ones the pain of not knowing but leave them rejoicing for they know you are in the loving arms of God almighty.
James so look forward to the Christmas Day dinner at our home where we as his family have always gathered. His last words we all shared the Wed before his death on Tues was of love and his concern that I was sick with the flu. He stood in my bedroom door and told me, "Mom you know I love you guys, more than my next breath" "and I hope you feel better soon, after all you have to cook us Christmas Day dinner and your dressing is the bomb" I told him "I love you to son" He spoke to his dad as he was leaving with a Christmas tree for the kids, "thanks pops for getting us the tree tell mom if she isn't better we can all get together after Christmas when she is feels better." "Pops you know I love you" James did not take his own life but the drugs he was given did. James loved his family as he often stated "more than his next breath" So we all the family of James say back to him, "WE LOVE YOU MORE THAN OUR NEXT BREATH" your loving parents, brothers, nephews and niece.
James, if I could get another chance, another walk, another dance with you son.....I'd play a song that would never ever end, how I'd love ....to dance with you again ..." James know you are loved and your spirit is inside my heart and will remain until the good Lord calls my number! Love you always, mom
Inscription
BELOVED SON, BROTHER AND UNCLE
"JAMES, WE LOVE YOU MORE THAN OUR NEXT BREATH"
