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.