James Gordon ‘Gordie’ Fowlie
James Gordon Fowlie died Feb. 12, 2020.
He was 88 and had recently celebrated his birthday on Jan. 31 in Clearwater Beach, Florida.
He was born in Philadelphia.
Gordon was a veteran of the US Navy, a proud patriot, and a multi-term elder of the First Presbyterian Church, Kearny.
As a Little League baseball coach, the Kearny ShopRite was his team. He always treated his team for ice cream after the games, regardless of whether they were victorious.
A Cub Scout pack leader, a volunteer Sunday school teacher, a Shriner, a past master of the North Arlington NJ Masonic Lodge, a volunteer of the traveling Masonic funeral team, a facilitator of the local Special Olympics through the Optimist Club — these are just a few of the activities with which he served his community and made the world a better place.
With his enthusiasm for people, and his service to the community, he put smiles on millions of faces. But those smiles were also his profession. As a dental technician, he created false teeth for people in need, to allow them to smile again for the remainder of their lives.
He was the CEO of Legg Dental Lab, established in 1940 by grandpa Rex Legg; the lab remains in business today, 80 years later.
Gordon was predeceased by his parents and his brothers, Ian and William. He is survived by his brother, Ronald, his loving wife Jean Violet Legg Fowlie, two devoted sons Paul Scott and David Alan, five grandchildren — Kristen, Alanna, Erik, Cassandra and Noel — and two great-grandchildren — Bradley and Julian.
A Celebration of Life service will take place in the spring in New Jersey, with details to be determined.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Gordon’s name to the Shriners Children Hospital or the charity of your choice.
