James Robert Nowlin

At 11:58 pm on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, James Robert Nowlin, 68, fell asleep peacefully into the arms of Jesus to live for eternity and was united with his son, Christopher Nowlin, whom he missed so much.

James was born on May 22, 1955, in Lynchburg, VA to the late Randolph Nowlin and the late Ernestine Smith Nowlin. He joined Chapel Grove Baptist Church at an early age and was educated in the Campbell County School System. In addition to his parents and his son, he is preceded in death by his brother, H. Rudolph Nowlin and his aunt Pearline Rucker, as well as other special family.

James was a father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to so many. Most knew him as “Bobby” or “Bob”, but his work friends knew him as “Julio”. Some of the family gave him the nickname “Pocket Rocket”, which describes him well, because he was surely a firecracker of a man. Bobby loved his family and could be heard bragging about them or seen protecting them at any time because he was also very strong, both physically and mentally. He was a hard worker and worked tirelessly all his life until he retired. He was surely the life of the party that brought everyone smiles and laughter anytime he was around. Over the last month, he fought a hard battle, but even during that time, he continued to try to make all his visitors laugh and feel good even though he was in pain. The memories made will never be forgotten! We will miss the laughs, the smiles, his dance moves, his quick-witted mouth, and the joy he brought to all our lives.  He was one of a kind! We will never forget him, but we are grateful for a God who promised that we will see him again one day.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter, Temika Nowlin Younger; three grandchildren, Desiree Younger, Tavian Nowlin, and Najah Nowlin; a devoted friend who was like a son to him, Rocky Pannell; four sisters who loved him dearly, Beatrice Hunt, Linda Merritt, Rose Davis (Hampton) and Barbara Smith; three devoted brothers, W. Randolph Nowlin (Gale), Raymond Smith (Donna) & Mark Nowlin; two loving aunts, Beatrice Martin and Juanita Lynch; and a host of other special cousins, loving and devoted nieces and nephews, family members and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 24, 2023at Chapel Grove Baptist Church. He will lie in state one hour prior. Interment will be at Chapel Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.