James R Rowland

James R Rowland, 25, of Polk, passed away unexpectedly at 9:47 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8th, at Meadville Medical Center, due to complications from Wegener's Disease.Born August 31, 1988, James was the son of Randy J. and Cheryl Mook Rowland, Sr. He married the former Samantha Myers on December 7, 2013.James was a 2006 graduate of Franklin High School. During high school, he was Class President, a member of the Varsity Wrestling Team, a member of the Red & Black Club, a National Honor Society member, and graduated from high school with honors. James formerly worked at Shop & Save as a cook in the cafe for 7 years. He currently was a student at Clarion University, Venango Campus, and was supposed to graduate from there in December (before he got sick), with a degree in Criminal Justice. While attending college, James was on the Dean's List every semester. He was a Yankee's Baseball and Pittsburgh Steeler's fan. He also coached junior high school wrestling for several years. James enjoyed spending time with his family and especially with his three dogs, Timber, Bear & Leo, whom he lovingly referred to as "the boys". James was diagnosed with Wegener's Disease in June 2013, and was on the transplant list waiting for a kidney.In addition to his wife, Samantha, James is survived by his father, Randy Rowland, Sr., and his girlfriend, Melissa Bailey, of Oil City; and his brothers, Randy J. Rowland, Jr., and his girlfriend, Tricia Rider, of Franklin, and Timothy L. Rowland of Seneca. He is also survived by his paternal grandmother, Connie Hargendrader of Seneca; his nephew, Chandler Debelak of Franklin; and his goddaughter, Delaney Hansen of Franklin. James is additionally survived by his wife's parents, David and Tammy Myers of Franklin; his wife's grandparents; and numerous aunts, uncles, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law.James was preceded in death by his mother, Cheryl; his paternal grandfather, Richard Hargendrader; and his maternal grandparents, Nancy and Robert Mook, Sr. Family and friends, of James will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, on Thursday, July 10 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, July 11th at 11 a.m at the Atlantic Avenue United Brethren in Christ Church, with Rev. Patrick Daugherty officiating. Interment will be at Old Sandy Cemetery.The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin PA 16323, to help defray funeral expenses.To send flowers, cards, online condolences, or for further information, family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.