James Wilson Towler

James Wilson Towler, 98, of Jacksonville, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 12 after a brief illness. Jimmy was one of 8 siblings born in Pittsylvania County, VA to Samuel and Woodruth (Nuckols) Towler. He was the last surviving sibling of the family. He is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Bettie (Dixon) Towler of Wilmington, NC. He is survived by his son, James Towler, Jr. (Susan) and his beloved granddaughter, Emma. Many nieces and nephews also survive him. Jimmy attended college at the University of Virginia, Wake Forest University and the University of Richmond. He was interested in pharmacy but ultimately, joined the family business of selling groceries and eventually became an accountant for the Atlantic Coast Line railroad in Wilmington, NC (now CSX). He served in the US Navy during World War II in the Asiatic Pacific and was honorably discharged as Yeoman First Class in March 1946. When the railroad located to Jacksonville in 1960, Bettie and Jimmy moved with their young son to the Arlingwood neighborhood. They attended Arlington United Methodist Church and he was a member of the Methodist Men and a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason. A visitation will be held Monday, June 19 from 6-8 pm at Naugle Funeral Home, 1203 Hendricks Avenue, with a graveside service at Oaklawn Cemetery on Tuesday, June 20 at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to St. Vincent’s Foundation in support of St. Catherine’s Laboure Manor.