OBITUARIES

Dec. 11, 1939 - Dec. 18, 2017

James Gow Jr. 78, Brawley

James Earnest Gow Jr., 78, passed away peacefully at his home in Calipatria surrounded by his loving family on Monday, December 18, 2017.

Ernie was born in Brawley, California on December 11, 1939, to Lois and James E. Gow Sr. After growing up and attending school in Calipatria, he served in the United States Army at Schofield Barracks in Wahiawa, Hawaii, where he met and married Sally, his wife of 58 years. They have five children Winona-Jade Leolani Alo (Winston Versola), Bonnie-Lynn Ku’uipo Verdugo (Ramon), Roxane Leilani Grove (Peter), James E. Gow III (Stacey), Alyson Kapi’olani Jackson (JJ) and two adopted children Simeon Pihana (Beth) and Karen McGoun.

Ernie was known for his sharp, quick-witted sense of humor, endearing to those who knew him. He was generous, kind, loving, and cherished every precious moment spent with each and every friend and family member. Throughout his life Ernie was an avid and outstanding fisherman, hunter, race car driver, mechanic, and all-around DIY handy-man who could fix any and everything. In the work force, he was a highly dedicated Ranch Supervisor for Pat Dockstader at Golden Eagle Hay in Calipatria. After 20 years there he retired in March 2014.

Ernie is preceded in death by his parents and survived by his wife and children, 16 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren.

He is deeply loved and will be sorely missed.

Ernie’s wish was to remain at home in his final days. His wife Sally would like to acknowledge and express her deepest gratitude for the loving care and helping hands of their five wonderful children which carried her and allowed his wishes to be honored with great dignity. In addition, the family expresses their deepest gratitude to Accent Care for their invaluable guidance and support to the family during this time.

Visitation is on Friday, January 12, 2017, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Frye Chapel & Mortuary, 799 CA-86, Brawley, CA 92227. A Memorial service and luncheon honoring his life’s journey will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 13, 2017, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 490 West D. St, Brawley, CA 92227 and will be officiated by Bishop Keith Smith.