Rev. James Rowley, ex-pastor in Palatine

The Rev. James J. Rowley, 86, a longtime pastor of St. Thomas ofVillanova in Palatine, died Saturday at Northwest Community HospitalContinuing Care Center.

Born in Chicago to parents who immigrated from Ireland, FatherRowley attended Roman Catholic schools here and graduated from St.Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein. He was ordained a priest forthe Archdiocese of Chicago in 1937.

After working at several parishes, he became pastor of St. Thomasin 1967. He held that position until 1984, building up the parishfrom a handful to more than 2,300 families. Father Rowley continuedto serve as pastor emeritus until his death."He was a real people person and had a million friends," saidNancy Tegtmeyer, a niece.In addition, he worked hard to encourage young people and wasespecially helpful to new priests, she said."He let them try new things and blossom. That's probably why hewas so successful," she said.Father Rowley held the rank of captain in the Army Air Forceswhile serving three years as a chaplain in India during World War II.Other survivors include six nieces, Sister Joan McCann O.P.,Marjorie Kayser, Alice McCann-Stettner, Jean Kutschke, Rita McGowanand Mary Flynn; two nephews, James McCann and John Rowley, andnumerous great- and great-great-nieces and nephews.Visitation will be at St. Thomas at Anderson and Williams streetsin Palatine at noon Tuesday and again Wednesday morning before a10:30 a.m. mass. Burial will be in Holy Sepulchre in Worth.