James Wallace Dowis, 84, lifetime area resident, passed away on Jan. 15, 2017 at his home in Sterling, CO. Memorial service will be at 9:00 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 21 at Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Young officiating. Inurnment will follow at Riverside Cemetery.

James was born Nov. 15, 1932 in Sterling, CO to Graydon F. and Beulah (Martin) Dowis. He worked in the amusement business as a ride owner, operator and was vice president of sales for Wisdom Industries.

James traveled all over the country with the amusement business, Many many show owners and ride operators knew James and heard many of his stories. James was operating his favorite ride, the Wild Mouse when he met his wife to be, Barbara that led to a marriage that lasted 44 years, until she passed away.

James married Barbara M. Soditus on Oct. 19, 1966 in East Point, GA. She died on May 15, 2011.

He was a member of the Showman's League of America and enjoyed reading, writing, loved telling stories about the old times in the carnival, and inventing.

James is survived by sons, Terrance Dowis & wife Debbie of Sterling, CO, Jim Dowis & wife Monica of Spokane, WA., George Duell & wife Barbara, East Berne, NY.; Brothers, Graydon Dowis & wife Betty of Highlands Ranch, CO, Robert Dowis & wife Nonna Petrosyan of Aurora, CO.; 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions to Hospice of the Plains in lieu of flowers in care of Chaney-Reager Funeral Home, Box 1046, Sterling, CO 80751.