James Walter Dowden

Jim Walter Dowden, 87, passed away peacefully in Bellevue Washington on March 16, 2013. Preceded in death by his wife, Becky, he now joins her. He was born in Little Rock Arkansas to Camille and James Dowden. His father died when he was three and he moved to Armstrong Springs to live with his grandmother and great Uncle Fred who became a father figure to him and greatly influenced him as he was growing up. In his teens his mother married Bob Burns and from that time on he lived and was educated all over the country as he and his mother followed "Pap" on his different military assignments. He was a veteran of WWII, a graduate of the University of Arkansas and life long member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He started his career as a geologist for the State of Arkansas and moved to Eldorado to join the staff of Lion Oil Co. which later became Monsanto. He was an Executive VP for Monsanto, North Canadian Oil in Calgary Alberta, MAPCO in Tulsa and President of Husky NPR in Alaska. He travelled the world and always had a repertoire of stories. He was a wonderful father and grandfather and is survived by son, Bob (wife June) Dowden of Monroe Louisiana and daughter Janet (husband Mike) Trau of Bellevue Washington, four grandchildren Michael, Christopher, Amanda and Allyson and 4 Great Grandchildren Ella, Lucas, Core and Graham. The adventure is over. From the dirt streets in Crosby Arkansas to the icy slopes of Alaska. From the jungles of Bolivia to the rocky hills of Sicily. From Spain to Venezuela, Quito to Perth and many places in between. The world is better place for his wit, wisdom and love of life. A life he lived to the fullest! Rest in Peace Daddy! There will be a funeral service Saturday, March 23 at 2 p.m. at Griffin Leggett Healey and Roth in Little Rock. Immediately following, he will be laid to rest at Roselawn Memorial Park in a private ceremony for the family. A Geologist has died, rock hammer for sale! In lieu of flowers donations are requested to your charity of choice or to the Alzheimer's Association. www.alz.org/tribute. Mr. Dowden's online guestbook is available at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.