DOWLING, Wendell James

Kingman Daily Miner, Kingman, AZ - Published on June 7, 2013 - On Thursday, May 30, 2013, at 8 in the evening, Jim Dowling, who had complications from leukemia, went peacefully to be with his Lord. Oneta, his beloved wife of almost 15 years, was by his side. Jim met his first wife, Phoebe Parker, in 1949, when he was working on Davis Dam near Kingman. Jim and Phoebe were married in 1950. Shortly thereafter he became a Christian. For a time they lived in Phoenix, where Jim trained as a jeweler and watch repairman. They returned to Kingman in 1955 and Jim opened his store, Kingman Jewelers, which he owned and operated for 47 years. Phoebe passed away in 1997. In 1998, Jim married Oneta Jackson. As they both were retired, they were able to do a lot of camping and traveling; including trips to Hawaii, the Holy Land and the Bahamas. Throughout his life, Jim was known as a generous, kind and likeable person. He served on the Kingman City Council and was elected mayor from 1964 to 1966. He remained a devout Christian and attended Kingman First Assembly of God for almost 63 years. There he was a deacon and served on the advisory board for many years. Jim leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Oneta; two children, Lyn (Gladys) Cisneros and John Dowling; four grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. In addition he leaves three stepchildren, Gayle Thompson, Terri Humphries and Michael Jackson. A memorial service to honor Jim's life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at First Assembly of God, 1850 Gates Ave., Kingman. Food and fellowship will follow the service at the church. All are welcome. As he wished, his body was donated to science. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Living Waters Hospice, 4195 Highway 68, C-902, Golden Valley, AZ 86413. The phone number is (928) 565-9000. The family of Jim Dowling wishes to thank Living Waters Hospice for all the wonderful service and caring treatment given to Jim and his family. The kindness and love shown during this trying time will never be forgotten.