James Gilbert Chowning, age 91, of Valparaiso, Indiana, left this world on Tuesday, March 8, 2022. James had three children: James A. (Jeanne) Chowning, Valparaiso, IN, teacher at Washington Township School; Ruth M. Chowning, Mt Washington, KY, Kentucky Extension Agent, and John H. (Kim) Chowning, Cookeville, TN, Gospel preacher. James also had 8 grandchildren: James Riley (Rae) Chowning, Ben (Carmen) Chowning, Katie (Matt) Zacharias, Sarah Chowning, Andrew Chowning, Micah (Shelby) Chowning, Luke (Abby) Chowning, and Joshua (Rachel) Chowning. He had 7 great- grandchildren which were the delight of his life: Charlotte, Brennan, Jaxson, Maven, Elizabeth, Breslyn, and Nora.
James was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Ruth Elizabeth Hammel Chowning. She worked for many decades in the maternity ward at Wabash County Hospital. He was born in Sullivan, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis E. Chowning and Mattie Marie Longbons Chowning; brother, William R. (Angie) Chowning; sister, Dolores (Charlie) Alumbaugh; and sister, Dedrie (John)Brewer.
After serving in the Army from 1951 to 1954, he attended Purdue University where he completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Agriculture. While attending Purdue, he met and married Ruth Elizabeth Hammel. After teaching vocational agriculture at Tipton High School, he worked for Public Service Indiana in Wabash until he was injured in a near- fatal car accident in 1974 that left him permanently disabled. In spite of his disability, he and his wife Ruth were able to fulfill their life-long dream of serving as overseas missionaries. In 1985 they spent 3 months in Nigeria working in a school and hospital.
Jim had a love for all sports- basketball, baseball, and football. Whether playing basketball in high school or the army, he was seen as a coach and team player. He coached Little League in Lagro, Indiana, during the 70’s. James was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Purdue Boilermakers.
Jim’s greatest love and passion was serving his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was a past member of Boundary Line Church of Christ, LaFontaine, Indiana, and an elder of the Heritage Church of Christ in Huntington, Indiana.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 11th from 3- 6 pm, and on Saturday, March 12th from 9-10 am, with a celebration of life beginning at 10 am CST, all at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, IN. After the 2:30 EST graveside service at the Lagro Cemetery, there will be an informal indoor get-together nearby. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions can be made to African Christian Hospitals, 102 North Locust Street, Searcy, Arkansas 72143.
