James “Jim” Vincent Sowle, 76 of Galena, IL passed away Monday, February 27, 2017 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Funeral service will be 11 AM, Saturday, March 4, 2017 at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena where military honors will be accorded at the funeral home following the service by Galena VFW Post #2665 and American Legion Post #193. Friends may call from 4 to 7 PM, Friday, March 3, 2017 at the Furlong Funeral Chapel. Burial will be at a later date. Cremation rites will follow the service. Born in Dubuque, IA to Genevieve and Vincent Sowle, the youngest boy of five older sisters, Jean, Dee, Lois, Pat and Mary. He attended Loras Academy where he played basketball and football. He was known as “Beef” a nickname that stayed with him all his life. Jim was in the Army, honorably discharged in 1969. Jim “swooned” Linda Louise Renner at a teen hop and they were married September 3, 1960 at St. Mary’s Church, Galena. Jim drove truck for many years prior to joining Explo – Midwest/Orica where he retired in 2007. Over the years, Jim was involved in the Galena Athletic Booster Club while enjoying many years supporting his children and grandchildren’s sporting events. He was a member of the Galena Area Ambulance Service as a driver. Jim enjoyed any moment he could get spending time with his children, grandchildren, and the love of his life Linda. He was a loving husband, supportive father and proud grandpa and touched the lives of many and made friends wherever he went. Breakfast with his high school buddies, dinner with the “Blasters” and cruising the streets in his 1976 Mercury Comet with Linda, were just a few of his favorite things to do. Jim is survived by his wife, Linda, five children, David (Melanie), Mathew (Julie), Stephen (Michelle), James (Michelle), and Julia (Aaron), nineteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren, his siblings, Pat (Gus Martens) of Dubuque and Lois Buse of MO, sisters and brothers in law, Bev Dubord, Donnie Renner, Terry (Elly) Renner, Tom (Bobbie) Renner, Bonnie ( Bob) Schmidt and many nieces, nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters Jean, Dee and Mary, four brothers in law, Fran, Brett, Norm and Robert, two sisters in law, Jean and Janet. The family wishes to thank Dr. Bernard, Dr. Schultheis and all of the wonderful nurses of Hospice of Dubuque, family and friends for all of your prayers and good thoughts.