R.L. "Jim" Rowland

Robert Lee “Jim” Rowland, 81, of Marysville, Kan., passed away August 24, 2011, in Lincoln, Neb., after sustaining multiple injuries from a 4-wheeler accident. A Celebration of Life was held at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, August 27 at the "Round Barn" east of Blue Rapids, Kansas. Jim was born December 17, 1929, in Hanover, Kan., the son of Eugene “Gene” and Irene Rowland. He graduated from Marysville High School in 1947 and was already employed by the Union Pacific Railroad. He retired from the railroad January 1, 1990. His passion in life was Hereford cattle. Jim and his father, Gene, founded G&R Polled Herefords in 1948. Together they built a nationally recognized Hereford herd raising many national champions through the years, including a two-time National Western and American Royal Champion Polled Hereford Bull, Canadian Bull of the Year and Outstanding Bull of All Breeds in New Zealand. Jim was a member of the American Hereford Association, former American Polled Hereford Association (APHA), Kansas and Nebraska Polled Hereford Associations and the Kansas Livestock Association. Jim and his wife, Sue, were devoted to Hereford youth. For their tireless efforts they were inducted into the APHA Youth Hall of Merit, Kansas Polled Hereford Hall of Fame and Kansas State Fair Wall of Honor. Jim and his first wife, Alberta Hoffman, were married in 1953, and have a son, Bob. They divorced. Jim and Sue Stump were married in June 1965. Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Sue; son, Bob (Deena), Topeka, Kan.; granddaughter, Marissa, Topeka, Kan.; sister, Norma Jean Stanbrough, Council Grove, Kan.; brother-in-law, David (Delores) Stump, Blue Rapids, Kan.; sister-in-law, Sally Peterson, Minneapolis, Kan.; brother-in-law, Jerry (Kathleen) Stump, Belleville, Kan.; 13 nieces, nephews and their families, and numerous extended family members and friends. A memorial fund has been established and will be designated at a later date. Contributions may be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary, 1006 Broadway, Marysville, KS 66508. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of R.L. "Jim" Rowland, please visit our flower store.