Obituaries
Jamie F. Rowley, 97
March 22, 2025
Jamie F. Rowley, best known for his resonant voice as “Jim Rowley” on Lancaster’s WLAN-AM radio in the 1960s and 70s, died on Saturday, March 22. He was 97.
Jamie was born February 19, 1928, in Peoria, IL to Kathleen “Kay” Rowley Hunter (née O’Golliday) and Jamie P. Rowley. He spent his early years moving around the upper Midwest before he, his mother, and stepfather, Frank Hunter, eventually settled in Elizabethtown, PA. Upon graduation from Elizabethtown High School in 1946, Jamie enlisted in the US Army. Following basic training, he joined the Army Air Corp and became a paratrooper of the 82nd Airborne Division.
After his tour of duty, Jamie earned his degree from the Wharton School of Business. Several professions later, his love of big band music landed him a position at KDKA Radio in Pittsburgh where, among other things, he hosted his own popular jazz show. From Pittsburgh, he moved on to several other stations before arriving back in Lancaster at WLAN Radio in 1966 as DJ, news director, and record hop emcee, as well as reviving his beloved jazz show.
Jamie retired from radio in 1979 to start a new career in the hospitality industry. He served as social and entertainment director, first at the Host Town and later at the Treadway Resort Inn (now the Eden Resort Inn). He also lent his expertise to a variety of businesses and local organizations, including the Masons, Sertoma, VFW, and American Legion, as well as contributing to a variety of charitable causes.
He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Martha Rowley (née Brodsky); his four children: Jamie H. Rowley and wife Pam (née Ebersole), Kevin M. Rowley, Alanna K. Baker (née Rowley) and husband Dan, and Hannah E. Rowley; his eight grandchildren: Jamie P. Rowley, Sean P. Rowley, K. Michael Rowley, Whitney N. Rowley, Alyx L. Baker, Isaac J. Baker, Malcolm J. Baker, and Clementine A. Baker; and his beloved granddog, Louie Winston Rowley. Donations in Jamie’s name can be made to the organization of your choice, especially those associated with animal welfare and veterans.
Services will be private.
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Condolences to the Family
March 30, 2025
Jamie was an important part of my early adult life. He was one of my instructors at the Ra-O-Vision broadcasting school in Elizabethtown (later Mount Joy). When I graduated, he hired me as a part-time newscaster, showing me the ropes, as he prepared to retire. I worked with Jamie, Bob Detry and Charlie Thomas in the mornings. (Bob recently also passed). When I left WLAN, I also worked at the Host Town, where Jamie had. Charlie Thomas also worked there. A few years later, when I was in the insurance business, I helped Jamie and Marty with homeowners insurance. I will always remember him fondly, as a teacher who was generous with his knowledge and friendship. Kevin Frey
March 28, 2025
Dear Hannah and Martha,
Jamie’s passing has touched me immensely. He was a caring man and like a second father to Jody. i remember the first time met him I saw the “Irish” in those kind eyes. He leaves a great void, but he lives on through his children and grandchildren and all those who knew and loved him.
Fondly,
Cindy
March 28, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of Jamie’s passing. Enjoyed working with him so much at WLAN radio. I’m so glad I gat to see him and say hi at Bob Dettrey’s celebration several months ago. He will always be remembered fondly.
John Witwer “J.W. Whitney”
