James Patrick McGowan, 93, Fort Loramie, passed away of natural causes Dec. 23, 2014, at Heritage Manor Nursing Center, Minster.

He was born July 12, 1921, in County Sligo, Ireland, to John and Mary Kielty McGowan. On Nov. 13, 1948, at St. Michael Catholic Church, Fort Loramie, he married Luella Romie, who survives.

Also surviving are seven children, Terry (Dan) Schoch, Minster, Pat (Janice) McGowan, Newport, Dennis (Patti) McGowan, Minster, Mike (Paula) McGowan, Minster, Jim (Angie) McGowan, Fort Loramie, Kathy (John) Amos, Sidney, and John (Shari) McGowan, Fort Loramie; 21 grandchildren, Phil, Andy, Brian, Kevin, Chris, Joe, Jessica, Michael, David, Claire, Bridget, Pierce, Stephanie, Matt, James, Nathan, Jeremy, Jake, Alison, Erin and Marcus; 16 great-grandchildren; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Harold (Ann) Romie, Fairborn, and Helen Council, Greenville.

Deceased are four siblings, Mary (Howard) Lodge, Ann (Vic) Martin, Bridget (Granny) Filburn and Helen Reagan.

He was a World War II veteran, having served in the Pacific Theatre. He had been accepted into the U.S. Army as an Irish immigrant and achieved natural citizenship in 1961. He was employed 15 years at the Minster Machine Company until he retired in 1986. For many years previous, he had been a brick mason employed at Albert Freytag Inc. He attended St. Michael Catholic Church and had also been a member of Fort Loramie American Legion Post 355. In his leisure, he enjoyed gardening and yard work. He also had been an avid fan of Notre Dame football and Cincinnati Reds baseball.

Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Michael Church, Fort Loramie, the Rev. Steven Shoup officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at St. Michael Cemetery.

Calling is 2-7 p.m. Sunday and 9-10 a.m. Monday at Gehret Funeral Home, Fort Loramie.

Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

Condolences may be left at www.gehretfuneralhome.com.