Death of Jimmy Rowan - THIS BOARD IS NOW FOR HISTORICAL PURPOSES ONLY. CLICK ON RGJ ASSOCIATION TO RETURN TO NEW IN MEMORIAM FORUM.

Date: May 9, 2006

Death of Jimmy Rowan

Date: May 9, 2006

Jimmy Rowan as those who served with him will remember.

Blinding geezer and another sad loss for the Greenjackets.

This picture was taken in 1972 Celle outside the Sjts Mess .

Condolences to his family and may you rest in peace mate.

Respects RM

Date: May 9, 2006

The news of Jimmy Rowen has come as a shock to all who knew Jimmy, He was one of the best ,always a true Rifleman ! we who had the good fortune to know him, will feel a great lose,

Our regreats go out to his Family,

May he get a true Green Jackets send off- there waiting for you Jimmy

you can make a good brew for the old boys up there.

Date: May 9, 2006

I am very saddened by the loss of such a great character who had such a big heart. If you ever saw anyone trying to put him down for not being quite like the rest of us you had a treat because he could always turn the tables and have them stuttering and looking down and then hurrying away in next to no time. At the other end of the scale he could be a great friend when it was needed.

It is characters like Jimmy who have made the Regiment what it is and today we have lost another fellow rifleman. My heart felt sympathy goes to his family and those who are now close to him. RIP Jim.

Ken A

Date: May 9, 2006

Such bad news, I wish I had a quid for every time Jimmy made me laugh, and 50p for every time he made me smile.... could have retired 25 years ago.

God Bless Jimmy.

Date: May 9, 2006

Yet another shock to see another of our famous RFN depart us for that big Cook House in the Sky.

Jimmy it was a pleasure to know you from those old 3 RGJ days when you were in 7 Pln B Coy Iserlohn, Celle and than when you became one our famous Regimental Cooks. As you always made sure that the Guard Box had a lot of Extras.

RIP old Friend and when you get up there make sure you Rattle those Pots and Pans, and don't forget that famous saying of yours LA! LA! and sweetie.

This is a very very sad Day for all those who knew Him from both 3 And 1 RGJ.

Date: May 9, 2006

So sad, Jimmy was one of the best,kind,helpful,and most of all funny he always had a smile, a

great character in the Old Battalion, everyone knew him and im sure all have there stories.

"Rest in Peace" Jimmy.

My Condolences to his family.

Jacko.

Date: May 9, 2006

WHAT SAD NEWS TO HEAR OF THE DEATH OF JIMMY ROWAN. I HONESTLY KNOW OF NO ONE WHO DIDN'T HOLD HIM IN HIGHEST ESTEEM. HAVING SOLDIERED WITH JIMMY FOR MANY YEARS I CAN VOUCH FOR HIS PROFESSIONALISM, HIS ENTHUSIASM AND HIS SHEER TOUGHNESS OF BOTH CHARACTER AND BODY. JIMMY NEVER ASKED FAVOURS AND WAS ALWAYS TO THE FOREFRONT WHEN THE GOING GOT ROUGH, VOLUNTEERING TO CARRY THE HEAVIER LOADS AND HELPING OUT OTHERS WHO WERE FEELING THE PACE.

TO BE SURE, HE WILL BE SADLY MISSED BY HIS FAMILY AND BY HIS MANY FELLOW RIFLEMEN WHO KNEW HIM TO BE THE EXCELLENT SOLDIER THAT HE WAS.

MANY A GLASS WILL BE RAISED TO HIS MEMORY AT THE REUNION THIS COMING JULY AI WINCHESTER.

FOND MRMORIES, JIMMY. GOODBYE.

Date: May 9, 2006

THE NEWS OF JIMMY ROWEN PASSING A WAY WAS A SHOCK AND SADDENED ME . I HAVE KNOW JIMMY FOR 40 YEARS FROM THE DEPOT BACK IN 1966 AND IN THE 3rd Bn R.G.J B COY . HE MADE ME SMILE ALL THE TIME AT THE FUNNY THINGS HE GOT UP TO. THE LOSS OF A GOOD RIFLEMAN AND A TOP COOK ...MY CONDOLENCES TO JIMMYS FAMILY. R.I.P. JIMMY (once a rifleman all ways a rifleman . FOREVER GREEN DELBOY

Date: May 9, 2006

I never had the pleasure of meeting or serving with Jimmy.

However, he was such a legand in 3 and 1 RGJ, and having left an incredible legacy of stories and antidotes after his demob, you couldn't help but feel like you knew him. I am sure that I am not the only ex RGJ to feel this way. It was with sadness that I read of his passing, but I know Jimmy will live on within the Regiment, his legacy will make sure of that.

God bless you Jimmy, you even managed to make those you never met smile, an acolade in itself.

Date: May 10, 2006

Jimmy made the cookhouse a fun place while waiting in the queue, he would have a laugh and joke with everyone as they passed him, sometimes pretending to cosh a rifleman with the soup ladle if they got cheeky. He often said the same thing to me like do you want more spuds milo you look under weight La, i was'nt but he always made me laugh when he said it. Good night Jim Boy

Date: May 10, 2006

I was so sad to hear of the death of Jimmy.

As Jimmy Matthews said earlier, he was famous! Once met never forgotten. He was a lovely funny man and I just can't think of him without smiling. Another thing to remember was how very bright and clever he was.

a very sad day.

tony

Date: May 10, 2006

Remember meeting Jimmy for the first time whilst home on leave from the Navy and bidding our Billy(Hughes) farewell from Liverpool docks as the Battalion embarked for N.I., could not believe my eyes as this G.J. paraded along the landing stage with what looked like a handbag and wearing what looked like a silk combat suit. Jimmy certainly stood out like a lighthouse.

Had the fortune to meet him on a number of occassions after that and remember being at a Party when he gave all the girls tips on how to apply make-up! What a person certainly do not make them like him any more.

Condolences to all of his family but what memories he must have left them. I can imagine him being in Heaven now giving the Angels tips on how to make there "Wings" sparkle. Thanks for all the memorable times Jimmy. God Bless lad.

Date: May 10, 2006

Whilst 1RGJ was in Belfast in the summer of 1971 me and others were too young to go and remained on the rear party in Celle.

Jimmy was also on the rear party and ran the cookhouse on hilarious lines. The sheepseye in Jimmy's mouth protruding between his teeth by the ligaments as he went to kiss Helmut the german civvy kitchen pot cleaner will travel with me for the rest of my life amongst other capers worthy of a book.

Jimmy, was a real character and always a great source of entertainment. Very funny man.

Rest easy Jimmy.

Date: May 10, 2006

Dear All

It really is with a heavy heart that I was informed of Jimmy's death this morning by ginger Dixon and Peter Collins. What a superb person who was a one off. To say he will be sadly missed is a serious understatement and the tributes on this website just go and re-inforce the point.

Thanks go to Jimmy Mathews last Wednesday for passing on Jimmy Rowan's tel number to me, whilst attending George Humphrey's funeral. This is because Ginger Dixon, Peter Collins and myself telephoned Jimmy Rowan and spoke with him for the first time since 1977, after he left the Bn in Dover the Bn we went off to Hong Kong and we all lost touch.

During the conversation last Wednesday we informed him of the passing of George who was only 59, Jimmy said he knew him from his 3RGJ days and he expressed his great sadness and to pass on his condolences to George's family.

Jimmy then informed us it was also his 59th Birthday that day and he said his birthday had just become even better because we had telephoned him. We talked about the fantastic times we had in Celle, Dover and when we all used to meet up on leave in Liverpool, he sounded so happy talking with him last week. We then gave him our assurance that next time we were in Liverpool we would all meet up again. How sadly prophetic that statement is coming true; no doubt at his funeral next week, but Jimmy rest assured you will get a good send off.

Jimmy you were a lovely, kind hearted one off person, a terrific Chef and a brilliant mate, a true, honest, decent Rifleman, funny to the end and second to none. You made me laugh last week like you always you used to make us laugh in the 70's. Keep doing the shows upstairs like you used to in the Bn.

Good night and God Bless Jimmy.

Billy Hughes

Date: May 10, 2006

What can I say? I find it very hard to write words that can better what I have read already.Suffice to say that I actualy spoke to Jimmy last Wednesday as you are all aware. Jimmy Mathews I thank you for that opportunity. We had a laugh and a joke and I even got his address from him { a prized possession I assure you} alas to late for a personal visit.

Jimmy we will always remember you with fondest memories.

Good night God Bless

Little Ginger Dixon. {not so little now}

Date: May 10, 2006

I first met Jimmy in Celle in 1969, and what a character! Funny, compassionate, and kind hearted. I was fortunate enough to meet up with him again in the North East, where he was working as a DJ in the early 80's. He was sitting next to me at the bar, I nearly fell off my stool to see him again. We spent hours catching up on our news since 3 RGJ, I saw him again a few times before I left England, and he kept me in stiches with his stories. It was lovely to see him.

My deepest condolences to his family.

God bless, and Rest in Peace Jimmy.

Georgina Taylor

Date: May 10, 2006

My thoughts are with Jimmy's family at this sad time.

A sharper wit I have never known.

The ability to make the finest pan of scouse or spare ribs and cabbage.

Better dressed than most of the women at my wedding.

Like Jimmy Mathews said.........Famous!

Goodnight and Godbless mate.

Date: May 10, 2006

I too never new Jimmy, but like others have said, his reputation to make people laugh lives on. Probably the greatest tribute anyone could have.

Concolences to his family and friends that mourn his passing.

Martin Lile

Date: May 10, 2006

Story about Jimmy

Northern Ireland.1977.

Morning. The Cookhouse. Girdwood Park. New Lodge.

I was being grilled by 2 MP's about an incident that had happened the previous night. During the interview they commented on what they assumed to be a rather 'laid back' attitude the Royal Greenjackets seemed to possess and why, as a Sjt, I went along with it. Of course I took offence and told them that we were very professional and hard as nails and would they care to test it out. They declined. Moments later the then Bn Commander, Col Johnson came in with his team on his way out to an incident. The two MP's jumped to their feet and stood rigidly to attention like Guardsmen. Jimmy Rowan came from the back of the hotplate. Chef's hat perched jauntily on the side of his head. Bleached hair festooning from said hat, immaculate cook's whites, tailored to perfection which seemed to be painted onto his 9inch hips. Col Johnson tapped me on the head and asked if I was okay. Jimmy Rowan screamed at the Col, "Siiiiirrrrr, yer goinnn nowhere without a cuppa coffee inside ye!" Col. Johnson walked back towards Jimmy taking the cup from saying "Thanks Jimmy." MP'S FACES CLASSIC.

Jimmy was a one off and was an intricate part of the history of our unique family. A good Rifleman as well as a fine chef. Rightfully remembered with great affection by the righteous many. Misunderstood and ridiculed by the ignorant few. He was a fine comic with a speedy wit and could sing up a storm. His 'drag act' name was 'Rowena the Duchess of Huyton' and he made loads for charity. He was, in fact very good, a bit special. He was my mate and I was glad to be his. Hope to see some of you at his funeral.

Date: May 10, 2006

The first time I met Jimmy was at my wedding in 1972, he found me under a pile of coats,well it was my wedding. Took me into the ladies and got his mascara and lipstick out and proceeded to make me gorgeous again.Thanks Jimmy and your boots were the best I ever saw.Godbless and condolences to family. Love Alice

Date: May 11, 2006

I have just heard the sad news of Jimmy passing away suddenly.I didn'y know Jimmy that well but I do remember he always had a smile on his face and was a nice guy.R.I.P Jimmy and my condolences to all his family for their loss.

Malacolm Don Donnison

Date: May 11, 2006

Thank you all for the wonderful tributes to my brother Jimmy, he really was a one off as I am sure you all know. His funeral is going to be at Springwood Crematorium next Wednesday (17th) at 14:45. and then afterwards at the Huyton Suite. I hope to see as many of you who can make it when we can have more than a few drinks to the "Duchess's" memory. Thank you all once again.

John Rowan

Date: May 11, 2006

Fond, fond memories of Jimmy Rowan……

I recall our Billy (Hughes) introducing me to a very handsome young man when you came back from Germany in 1974. You told me you had heard so much about me you insisted on Billy bringing you to our house. We had such good times, nights out, you cooking lovely meals, and showing me the best way to put mascara on!!

Also remember going to a party at your house; meeting your Mother, sisters and lots of other Green Jacket’s who were on leave - a brilliant night.

Another memory of the time I was seeing Billy off at Liverpool/Seaforth Docks on yet another tour of N. Ireland. You came running down the gang plank shouting the nickname you had for me “Patsy”. You had your camouflage scarf tied into a cravat (!!) around your neck which was very different from all the other soldiers and you told me you liked to stand out from the crowd. I asked why you why you didn’t carry a gun like everyone else and you told me it was much too butch for you. The telephone calls from you when you were on tour, just for a chat and to reassure me that “our Billy” was ok.

Lovely memories of a lovely person. Memories are a priceless gift that cannot be bought or sold but the value is far greater than a mountain made of gold.

Goodnight God Bless Jim, Your Patsy xxxxx

Date: May 11, 2006

Very sad to hear about Jimmy. I often tell friends about when we were in Celle and when any of the wives were expecting babies in Hanover hospital we used to ask Jimmy to go and visit them as he had a sixth sense and knew what to say and put them at ease which of course left us free to pre-celebrate in the bar!!! All the best Jimmy -sadly missed by all John Guest

Date: May 12, 2006

Very sad to hear of Jimmy's death - he was my introduction to the 1st Battalion in the early 70s when I was a very young, nervous 17 year old.

God bless you Jimmy.

Date: May 12, 2006

It is sad to hear of the passing of Jimmy Rowan. His name brings back so many memories of life in that wonderful 3RGJ battalion and all the personalities that served in it. He in a sense epitomised all that was good about all Riflemen whatever their rank. Loyalty to regiment and friends, never backward in expressing an opinion, hard working and in the case of Jimmy always amusing and of course realiable when the going got tough.

I was RSM and it was reported to me that a British Soldier had been trying on ladies clothes in the town. We were in Cyprus and the inhabitants were a little put out. But it was all harmless, Jimmy was trying on clothes to buy for his sister who if memory serves me correctly, was his twin.

On another occasion I had gone to visit A Coy in Pathos, the CSM Tom House was a stickler for protocol and after all it was the RSM visiting-must put on a show! All went well until breakfast time, Jimmy was the cook. He brought out my breakfast, two eggs at the top for eyes, a sausage in between for the nose and a rasher at the bottom for the mouth. Tom was not amused, even less so when Jimmy gave me a resounding kiss on the cheek and sped off with the CSM chasing him uttering all kinds of dire threats.

Good memories and only Jimmy Rowan would have done it and got away with it.

He’s part of the many who have gone as the advance party of the Regiment. Eventually we will all meet up for a reunion to end all reunions.

Rest in Peace Jimmy Rowan, you have left many good memories which always bring laughter.

Ron Cassidy

Date: May 12, 2006

What can i say that has not already been said except RIP Jimmy a good friend to many...........

Date: May 12, 2006

Any flowers for Jimmy should be sent. C/O. Cravens Funeral Directors. Broadgreen Road. Liverpool. Merseyside. L13 5SG. Phone. 0151 228 3900. Contributions can also be made to a local charity which was close to Jimmy's heart. Cheques made payable to. ZOE's PLACE c/o. The address above.

Date: May 12, 2006

Sad to hear the sudden lost of another Riflemen friend. He had a character of his own and I am sure we will all miss him. Condolence to Jimmy family.

GeorgeB