Jim Fowler Obituary

So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. One of the highlights of my life was having the opportunity to talk to jim and hear stories about facing lions in Tasinia or filming gorillas in the mist. What a down to earth giant of a man. Rest well old soldier.

Betsey, I worked with you and Jim at the LA Art show "Help save the Elephants " years ago. Your print "Greetings" hangs in my den and is a constant reminder of you two wonderful people. Needless to say, Jim was a "Mountain" of a man and Mountains are never forgotten. Like the line I fed Jim for when Robert Shields left the stage, "Like Robert, Elephants do not have a voice, we must be their voice." We will all be Jim's voice now and forever. Your friend, Bill McCollum.

dear Betsey so sorry to here about Jim I was a big fan I talked to Jim on the phone when I found your purse in the middle of the road years ago / he just put a smile on GODS face

I grew up watching Jim on Wild Kingdom but I also have childhood memories of Jim coming to the farm in Pecan Farm in Pecan City Georgia, Just outside of Albany Georgia, while participating in the annual burn off of overgrown brush. Jim would arrive with the snake catchers and large barrels to capture rattle snakes to for use at the Annual Whigham Georgia Rattle Snake Round Up. (http://whighamrattlesnakeroundup.com/)

Later as an adult I contacted Jim to assist to identify an odd creature I discovered. Jim was kind, friendly and helpful.

My condolences to the family of Jim Mark Fowler, I am very sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort continue to be with all of you.

I am sorry regarding the loss of your loved one. May the memories, he left, comfort the family.

Our condolence to Jim's family on your loss. Jim was an inspiration to me in my youth. For the love of the animals. The news saddens my heart.
From: The Fowler Advocacy (Paul Fowler), Saugerties, NY

My condolences as you mourn the loss of your dear loved one. Our prayers are that you find comfort and strength during this trying time.

My condolences. What a great man. The work he did with animals was amazing. Loved watching him on the Tonight Show!

Blessings ...

Loved the way you really respected all the animals. God bless you.

I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family for the loss of their loved one, who will be remembered for his love of animals and wildlife. May you find comfort and help in God during this time of sorrow.

I am very sorry to hear of Mr Fowler passing. As a child I could not wait for his show to come on arm forces station in Germany. Now as a Falconer in NewYork meeting him, his family was a childhood dream. Thank you for such great memories, and sharing nature with the world. May his familys pain be short, my deepest condolences.

May your loved one Rest in Peace. I pray that you will be comforted by God, and have peace restored to you now, and in the days to come as well.

To the family and friends of Mr. Jim Fowler:
My heart felt condolences goes out to you. I really enjoyed watching Animal Kingdom. May God, the Father of tender mercies continue to comfort you each and every day in the time of your distress.
May 19, 2019

Jim was such a gentle man to all the animals he helped. His appearances on the Tonight Show were so memorable. He & Johnny Carson made TV history with their interactions with all of the animals. Also, his appearance on Seinfeld was hysterical. Jim introduced the world to the beautiful species of animals that roam our earth. May his family find comfort in these loving messages for them. Jane M. (NY)

Deepest sympathy to the Fowler family.
As I child I always looked forward to Sunday night's Wild Kingdom show. As a financial advisor for Mutual of Omaha I am thankful for the time I was able to spend with Jim.
Thanks for sharing him, he was a true joy.

Jim Fowler's legacy still lives on in Atlanta, Georgia in his nephew's love of animals. His nephew, Dr. Fowler, is our veterinarian, and he shares all the patience, skill, and love that he learned from his uncle, Jim Fowler.

I was saddened to learn of Mr. Fowler's passing ,I enjoyed watching him on television and learning from him about wild animals!I once had the great pleasure to meet him at the Explorers Club in NYC about 20 years ago , he was very down to earth,friendly , sincere ,and seemed genuinely interested in my life. God bless him and R.I.P.

Jim Fowler was a household name when I was growing up. Every Sunday, we would hurry to eat dinner so we could all find our seat in the living room to watch Wild Kingdom as a family. Dad would always say, "Look at that crazy guy, he's 'rassalin' that snake barefoot!" Many fond memories of Mr. Fowler's voice, knowledge and enthusiasm about animals. What an incredible legacy he left behind. Thoughts and prayers for his family for strength and peace at this difficult time.

I grew up watching Wild Kingdom. What a wonderful program. Your work on saving the animals was truly inspirational. My hope is there will be more people like you, willing to save the animals & teach people about them. My sympathy to your family & friends. May GOD bless you.

Betsey, So sorry for your loss.
Susan

Condolences to the family. Enjoyed his show. May Jim rest in peace

We had the honor of visiting and celebrating with Mr Jim at his 89th birthday celebration. Our thoughts and prayers with Ms Betsey and the family. He is loved and will be greatly missed -

To the family of Jim Fowler...
Thank you for sharing him & he will never be forgotten.

I remember the First time I saw Jim on Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom! What a Giant of a Man!
Little did I know that one day I would met this hero.

Many years later I had the honor of creating an art piece for him. I had discovered he Loved Harpy Eagles so that is what I chose to create.

Betsy, He was one of the kindest, caring, down to earth people I have ever me. Jim was truly a Gentle Giant who cared about the earth and her creatures.He Loved to talk about you and his children. He was so proud of your artand I am proud to own a piece of it.

My heartfelt prayers for you and your children during this difficult time.
Much Love,
Catherine

He will call and they will answer. We shall see Jim again. So have faith and do not wonder, for this is within Gods plans.

May all of you be comforted by the God of all comfort who is the creator of all things. Jim demonstrated his love for the beauty of living creatures.

I really liked the shows he was on. We are sad now but gladness will come when he returns and Isaiah 11:6-9 is fulfilled. He will have so much fun with the animals. Until that happy day arrives, please all take care.

Betsy, we are thinking of you and your family. We love you and will hopefully see you soon. Jim & Holly Scott (GA)

Please accept my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Jim Fowler. For many years I truly enjoyed watching him on television. The loss of a parent or friend who has endured a long life is still heart breaking. Those who pass on are kept in God's memory because they are precious in his eyes (Psalm 116:15). Continue to cherish the wonderful memories you shared with him.

To the Fowler Family & Friends: I had thoroughly enjoyed watching Jim throughout the years. What a joy he brought to the millions of viewers who tuned in to catch his skill & experience with the animals. May the God of comfort ease your sufferings and bring you peace in the days ahead and may those around you give you the strength to endure 2Cor 1:2,3. Please accept my deepest condolences....Laura, N.Y.

My deepest sympathy to the Fowler family. His contribution to the Wildlife and Nature movements were immeasurable. Always enjoyed seeing his segments on the talk shows and "Wild Kingdom" was a favorite from my early years. I was in awe of his courage in being so close to such wild animals. He is missed. Rest in heavenly peace, Mr. Fowler.

Rest in peace

From animal lovers all over the world. Thank you You will be greatly missed.

I first met Jim Fowler almost 30 years ago along the Platte River, Nebraska but had known him first from the early 1960s by watching Wild Kingdom. He and Wild Kingdom are the main reasons I pursued a career in wildlife conservation in Africa and North America. I believe that is true for many of my colleagues of my generation. The wildlife conservation message of Jim Fowler and Wild Kingdom is as relevant or more relevant today than it was in 1963. Nenda vizuri rafiki yangu.

My deepest sympathy to the family in you time of great loss, such a wonderful, warm, caring man. Betsey, Mark, and Carrrie, my family and I have so many fun and exciting memories of Jim and the many adventures we shared with you all, and we loved being your neighbors in Maryland, Danny still talks about the sight seeing trips around DC . Love and peace to you all.

Aww, sad news. We were just talking about Jim earlier this week. We were saying how much we enjoyed him and Marlin's show so many years ago. They were the first to entertain us with their wonderful, wild animal show!

Jim Fowler was our fellow wildlife lover. We're sorry to hear of his death and hope that his loved ones will be comforted by good memories and the peace of God.

Rip

My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Jim Fowler. May you have comfort and hope 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17 as you mourn the loss and cherish the memories of your dear loved one, Jim.

My deepest sympathy goes out to the family . May the true God comfort your broken hearts. For Psalms 50:15 says call and He will deliver in the day of distress.

Betsy, I am deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Jim. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family... I still cherish the watercolor you gave me, when you and Patricia Victoria Hale were choosing art for your greeting cards...

Rest in Peace in Heaven with the Angels!!!

RIP!! Take care of those animals in Heaven.

"Thank you".

My condolences to the family. I am very sorry for the loss of your beloved one. May you find comfort in knowing that one day many will have the opportunity to live again. May the hope of everlasting life sustain you and give you strength to endure during your time of mourning. John 6:40

During this time of deep sadness for this family - Remember this God has 3 things he wants to give you - Peace of mind, a Hope and a Future. Jeremiah 29:11

May God bless the Fowler family and friends with peace and comfort during this difficult time. Jim brought joy, wonder, and amazement to so many - young and old alike, for so many years. His sharing of his time and talents o bring happiness to others is a legacy that shall remain forever. Thank you for sharing him with us for so many years

These obituary condolences reflect the genuine admiration, love and profound loss generated with Jim Fowlers passing. He will be greatly missed. I am proud, honored, humbled and grateful to have called him friend.

I cannot add anything that has not been written, except to share a Jim Fowler adventure story, about a storied man. Years have passed since we talked, but this man had an unbelievable influence on me, with our mutual love of animals and our efforts toward furthering the cause that he devoted his life to advancing.

The two of us went to New York Citys American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in 1978 to attempt to purchase their Maryland wildlife farm. After a day of negotiations, we left happy with a signed agreement but not a clue how to pay for the acquisition, let alone the operational costs and expenses of rescuing abandoned and abused animals that needed help.

We left the next day for Los Angeles and Jim went live on the Johnny Carson Tonight Show with six baby Bengal tigers. Standing back stage, I heard Johnny ask Jim what project he was currently working on. That opened the door to discuss on national television the plans for Jim Fowlers (proposed) Wild Kingdom.

Early the next morning, I received a call from a local bank president offering to finance 100% of the project. Why? He had watched the Carson Show.

Then we were off to lunch with Tippy Hendren, Merv Griffin, Johnny Carson, Ed McMannon, Gordon Cooper and Clint Eastwood! Afterwards, we flew back to Washington D.C. Wow. What a lunch. Jim traveled in the A Circuit of Hollywood royalty and celebrities, with great ease an acceptance!

The new wildlife sanctuary was off and running, with design improvements to the former park. First we headed off in my 8-horse enclosed van to rescue André, an extra large and very mean Siberian Tiger, living at a New Jersey amusement park. Only Jim could approach the cage without attack. No one ever knew what really was in transit on the Jersey Turnpike! André became the star attraction at Jim Fowlers Wildlife Kingdom grand opening.

We never missed a beat to get bankers to be helpful. Once Jim brought a baby tiger cub named Exxon to my house, to run around and play with my two basset hounds. Imaging the surprise when Jim and I walked into the corporate bank with Exxon in tow!

Jim Fowler was a remarkable man on a mission. Rest in Peace! He led the charge and will always be remembered as a man of integrity with a lifetime devotion to helping wildlife, with his family by his side. KUDOS!!

Mahatma Gandhi quote lives with Jim Fowlers legacy. THE GREATNESS OF A NATION CAN BE JUDGED BY THE WAY ITS ANIMALS ARE TREATED Jim Fowler got the blue ribbon. Rest in peace.

(Exxon and André pictured.)

Thank you so much, Jim, for bringing all of those animals into our lives every Sunday night, all of those years ago, and on Johnny Carson, which was always so fun. May your soul rest in peace, which it will, for all of the good you did here on Earth.

He was a great educator. Taught millions of people to have animals in their thoughts.

My condolences to Jim Fowler's family and friends. He was a great addition to my family as we viewed many of the animals he showed the public. In Isaiah"61:1-2 he binds the brokenhearted and is near to those who mourn." Take comfort in knowing he is in God's book of Remembrance.

Jim Fowler was such an inspiration to myself and others. It was such a thrill to see what he was going to do next. He made a lasting impression on me to live my life to the fullest. I was very saddened to hear of his passing. May he Rest In Peace. Betsy, you will be in our prayers.

RIP Mr Fowler. Thank you for all those years with the animals. I enjoyed watching you on TV and learned so much from you.

Such an informative show about the creatures and world around us. Thank you, Jim. Rest In Peace.

A wonderful show, a kind and caring man.
Rest In Peace Mr. Fowler

Jim was a great inspiration to many in the field of wildlife conservation.
He was a good friend of my Uncle (they went to school together) - I grew up with both of them influencing my career.
Spending time in his company was a true pleasure and he always had an amazing story to tell that illustrated a deep appreciation for the animal world.
Truly an honor to know him.

What can I say. For my hubby. I love him so dearly. Thank you all for your condolences. My life with him was precious. He did so much for the world but always had time to love. I love my life with him. I feel safe though knowing that my dearest husband is on my shoulder during these tough times. Nice to know he died in peace next to me in my arms with the good lord watching over him. I love you my dear. Rest in Peace.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Awe with heartfelt sympathy .The memories you gave us all we are so grateful for . Rest peaceful .

It was a pleasure to have you come to our schools and hospital here in Rochester I still get to Your favorite little restaurant ,ROCKYS when Im back in town.ICould just listen to his experiences of Africa for hrs .He will be missed.

Jim has always been my hero. From the time I was a kid I watched Mutual of Omaha and my parents would always tell me when he was going to be on Carson. I chose Biology and Wildlife Ecology as a major and a career choice because of him. I had the pleasure of meeting him in 2013 at New Pond Farm where I teach kids all about nature. He was just the man I expect him to be--Charming, witty, personable, funny, and a gentle giant. He was and is my idol (and my first crush) and I am so sorry that he is gone. I have Betsy's NIGHT RUN in a prominent place in my office and loved hearing the story that he told about how it came to be. I have posted out picture together on Facebook. I am sure I monopolized his time but I am and we his BIGGEST fan. Jim, we will miss you--I so enjoyed meeting you at New Pond Farm. It was a dream come true. You were an inspiration to me and I hope your legacy will transcend the generations. I know my grown kids know all about you and one is in Evolutionary Biology and another in Marine Biology. All inspired by you!!! What a great guy! He will be remembered!

I have very good memories of visiting Jim Fowler's home and game farm near Albany Georgia when 7 years old in 1961. Jim was so kind and willing to share his vision and love of animals with others. My father had given Jim golf lessons, developed a friendship, and received the invite to his home. Seeing the anteater's, birds of prey, and other things at Jim's home is a memory that I have shared with many people as a high point in my childhood. Best wishes and sweet memories to all the family.

To the family. I am so sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you at this time.

My condolences to the family and friends of Jim Fowler.

To the family, you have my condolences for your loss. I used to think Mr. Fowler had to be out of his mind to allow wild animals to crawl all over him. But now that I'm older, I can appreciate his truest love for animals, regardless of how creepy some of them might seem. May Mr. Fowler rest peacefully, and may he soon awaken to see the fulfillment of Isaiah 11:6 which describes animals living in peace with one another, and humans living in peace with animals. What a time that will be!

To The Family Of Jim Fowler
My condolences to the family on the loss of your dear beloved one. May the God of all comfort,comfort you and grant you peace now and in the days ahead.

Loved watching him growing up.

Great memories watching Sunday night, The Wild Kingdom as a family.

The world lost a wonderful soul in Jim Fowler. I enjoyed him over the years on Wild Kingdom and his appearances on Johnny Carson, that was always a riot. Jim was a great inspiration to me in my love for animals, I will truly miss him

As a little girl I had a terrible crush on him. Planned to marry him one day! I think I was about 8. Rest easy....what a lovely man.

Dear family; my condolences on your loss. I grew up watching Wild Kingdom on Sunday nights. I can remember Marlin was always safe in the helicopter with a camera crew and Jim was doing all the work what wonderful memories, God Bless, Karl from Illinois

My goodness THANK YOU for all the memories..."Jim down river with a giant anaconda "...You be half submerge struggling to stand your ground! Marlin so fortunate to have you! You were an inspiration to me and played a major role for my love of nature, and animals and for the conservation and protection of them! May you rest in peace surrounded by those you love..... Thank you!

A wonderful show about wildlife - been a long time since I watched it - very educational

You remain my hero! Thanks for all the great memories you created for so many. Rest In Peace friend!

I enjoyed his show sometimes, and so many more I am sure, he will be missed sadly. Heartfelt condolences, Thoughts and prayers.

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." Anatole France
So sorry to hear about Mr. Fowler's passing. We will miss seeing him and all his beautiful animal friends. Our condolences, hugs and prayers to the Fowler Family.

Condolences to the family.

I enjoyed Wild Kingdom with Marlin Perkins and Jim Fowler. I always watch animal shows. My prayers and condolences to Mr. Fowler's family.

him and marlin were the best here on earth, and now as ever be in heaven.

Rest in peace Mr. Fowler. You were amazing on Wild Kingdom. It was so funny to see Mr. Perkins in the boat just as calm as he could be while you wrestled with a huge Anaconda as he seemed oblivious to the action. Love your treatment and love for the animals and your deep concern for their future. May you feel the love as you venture on to your next journey. I'm sure Mr. Perkins will be waiting to greet you along with a few creatures to welcome you.
May your family know you were appreciated and respected. May they find comfort in your legacy.

A legendary conservationist! ! A HERO to me! Thank you Jim ! Was an honor to
meet you !

To the Fowler Family,
Offering my sincere condolences. What beautiful memories I have sitting down EVERY Sunday evening to eagerly watch this timely Family show, "Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom,"as a young girl! That television show entertained as well as educated, young and old alike. Those who have faith pray "Let thy Kingdom come," and during that time all of mankind and humans will live together in peace! (Isaiah 11:6-9) . May the God of comfort sustain you in this time of sorrow.

Thank you Mr. Fowler for sharing all of your wonderful, exciting adventures with the world and for your leadership in wildlife conservation. You were an inspiration to me as well as several other generations and helped us all with developing a greater appreciation for our natural environment. My interest and pursuit of a career in wildlife biology started with you and Marlin Perkins travels on Wild Kingdom. I'm so happy my children and I got to meet you on a couple of occasions. Rest in peace my friend.

I was fortunate to meet and spend time with Jim at an AL Planners' meeting at Eufaula in the 1980s. What a nice, kind gentleman he was! On the spur of the moment, at the invitation of his airplane seat mate, he came to tell us about his then-current project, a historical park in South Carolina. Fascinating! "The Man from Kingdom Come" will be missed. Thank you, Jim.

Thank you for instilling a love of God's wilder creatures in us as children who watched you and Marlon Perkins. You brought the world to us, then. May you rest in Peace, and may God love you more for loving and caring for what some still consider the least of his creation...(we know better!) Rest in peace. Thanks for everything.

Jim Fowler has been apart of my family's life since I can remember. The education his shows and programs taught my family about the wildlife that share our world around us and brought countless hours of enjoyment. He educated us on the importance of respect for the creatures that share our lives. He also taught of the necessity to protect and preserve the environment in which we all coexist. Thank you. Your message will live on for future generations. Sonja Choate, May 9,2019.

To the Fowler family: We appreciate the education of the animal kingdom,your dear loved one provided. May the God of comfort give you the strength to endure and your fond memories bring joy of heart. Our heartfelt condolences and prayers for the family

I have so many fond memories of Jim and his co-host on "Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom," and partly due to that show that I became so interested in animals and the environment. Blessings

To Tim Fowler my prayers are for the family and friends and all who loved him. May the God of all comfort be with you all during this sad time. To comfort you all at this bereaved time.

Godspeed Jim, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us...

Loved watching Wild Kingdom as a child - part of my childhood. Prayers for his family.

Thanks for helping us learn and appreciate wildlife from our living rooms on Sunday evening. Rarely missed Wild Kingdom and Walt Disney. Rest in peace!

I'm heartbroken that our world has lost someone so truly beautiful in spirit. I was BLESSED to work side by side with Jim for a handful of years, in Omaha Nebraska and learn so many great lessons from my hero/mentor. Thank you Jim for some of the best memories of my life! My very best to Betsey and family. I picture in my mind's eye, an amazingly HUGE group of animals waiting for Big Jim in heaven. What an amazing sight that had to be!!! The world just grew a little dimmer.... Alison O'Connor

Rest in Peace