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Name : Rowley, James 

Rank: P.O.
Shield #: 25696 Command: Aviation Unit
Date of Death: 1983-07-22   Cause of Death: Helicopter Accident
     
 Officer Rowley and Police Officer Charles Trojahn were killed when their helicopter was involved in a mid-air collision over Brooklyn. Officer Rowley and Officer Trojahn were traveling over Brooklyn, when a sea plane struck the rear rotor of the helicopter, causing it to crash. Both officers and two of the four passengers on the sea plane were killed.

Officer Rowley had been with the NYPD for 17 years. He was 39 years old.   
 
     
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Comments from Friends    
     
Jim was one of the best pilots in the NYPD;s Avaition Unit and he was also one of my best friends. I came to the Aviaiton Unit in 1981 as a Sergeant from command of the harbor Unit's SCUBA Team. Jim beacame my primary "fixed wing" pilot instructor and my check-out pilot instructor in helicopters. Over the next two years Jim an I became very close sharing many hours in both cockpits together. I was devastaded by his untimely death that left me with a sense of loss that has not fully been resolved to this day. I think of him often and I discuss him, his qualities and his superb aviation abilities.... just as often! I miss him but know that he is in a better place that we are today and I have solace in the words of the dated Vera Lynn song that goes... " We'll Meet Again; Don't know Where Don't Know When; but I Know We'll Meet Again One Sunny Day"
— Joe Mottle
My father was a sergeant in Harbor when Jim met his most untimely death. But not only were they both members of Emergency Services at the time, they shared a relationship outside the job too. My father's passion was flying single engine Cessna's and he and Jim belonged to the same club on Long Island and flew together. Not sure is I remember correctly but Jim may have been an instructor. Jim's death sticks out in my mind because my father took it pretty hard. It I remember correctly, he crashed it on a warehouse rooftop. I seem to remember my father telling how he was sure Jim struggled in his last moments to put it there on purpose to avoid any other ground casualties. Not sure if I have that right but that's how I remember it.
— Bill Smith
Jimmy Rowley was a cop with me in the TPF, squad 9, working the Bronx in the late 60's and early 70's. He was a good man and an excellent street cop. He is still talked about at the TPF reunions, and missed by all of us who knew and worked with him.
— Eugene F Moynihan Jr
I was 16 yrs old living in Red Hook Brooklyn. I remember looking over the crash site that hot July day the day after. I could not believe how come more people weren't killed that day. Rows of Brownstone houses and stores. I heard he deliberately crashed into a vacant lot so as not to kill any civilians. Exceptional piloting offcers! The Folks of the neighborhood were appreciative then ..especially that skinny little kid. Rest in Peace always.
— Ron Salguera
rest in peace.
— sjs
Posted: November 8, 2006, 5:06 pm
Jim Rowley was a friend, an inspiration and a mentor.I attribute all my good fortune in aviation to Jimmy for urging me to acquire every rating possible.He was instrumental in my ATP, and instrument instructor tickets.I acquired all the same ratings for rotor wing with the Army.It was a windy July morning in 1983 when I exchanged pleasantries with Jim in his PD ship as I flew nearby lga in a B-206.I didn't realise that would be our last conversation.As I sat at idle,facing north, waiting for a courier at wall street heliport , I didn't see the accident occur less than a mile behind me.I saw the float plane out of control.I took off to offer assistance but a launch from the brooklyn piers was quickly under way.About an hour later,or less, I shut down at w30th street heliport.I did not know of Jim's invovlement in a mid air at that point.I went inside to call aviation at Floydd Bennet."Jerry" advised me of the accident at which point I felt the blood drain from my head and needed to sit down.I've never gotten over Jim's loss.He is forever in my thoughts and memory and will be with a few other aviation idols I've had such as Jimmy Doolittle and Fred Feldman (WOR'S traffic copter).Having recently retired as a B767 Captain,I can thank Jim for that early encouragement. When I make the final flight west, I hope to meet Jim Rowley at the landing site.
— Bob Viscio
Posted: December 16, 2006, 2:30 pm
I have no words to describe July 22, 1983. Our son James died a hero that day. The unbelievable shock and utter abandon to face this tragedy. He was a big part of our lives, much loved and admired. A part of us went with him that day. No more hallooing from the helicopter as he flew over the house. We always waved him on. No more lively visits with his family for an evening of conversation and laughter. His presence is always with us. In essence he has not left us. Rest in peace James may God's light shine on you until we meet may the songs of angels surround you Mom and Dad
— JIM & DEBBIE ROWLEY
Posted: January 25, 2007, 9:42 am
My Memory of James Rowley What a wonderful world it would be, if everyone could be like he. His love for people was beyond compare. If you needed help he was always there. Abou Ben Adam he could be in God's golden book of the names God has blessed, he would be listed with all of the best. Many a person a pilot became, because he taught them with how own private plane. A-1 pilots they came to be, I should know, his bookkeeper was me. He had a sense of humor, and all through the years, it was all laughter, no time for tears. The above quotes I wrote of James are all things I know to be true, and now James I'll speak directly to you. Your wife Mary, Jennifer and Jamie, your children two I know meant so very much to you. And James wherever you are, I'm sure from them you're never too far. A beautiful grandson has been added to your family tree. He is now two, going on three. From all the reports he's adorable and smart, a sense of humor he has right from the start. So James as we all can see, he definitely takes after thee. Love you as if you were my son. Nanny Gloria Schilter.
— GLORIA SCHILTER
Posted: April 16, 2007, 10:18 am
Remembering James always brings a smile to my face. He was my husband Michael's brother. He loved sitting around the table at family gatherings and holidays, sharing a meal, recalling stories and telling jokes. He was a very compassionate and caring person, always one to lend a hand , you never has to ask twice. James was there to help. He loved life and all its people, but most of all, he loved his family. God bless you James. Walk with angels. We miss you and love you. Joyce Rowley,sister-in-law.
— JOYCE ROWLEY
Posted: April 16, 2007, 11:22 am
I was a fellow police officer, pilot, and friend with Jimmy and would love to hear from his wife and children. My email is Helo1936@aol.com. -AJ
— Arte Johann
Posted: December 26, 2007, 9:06 am
Jim instructed me and helped me obtain my Private Pilot s license..I loved belonging to the FInest Flyers and piloting his own plane 8009 as he called it Oscar!!!(80090) TO this day I miss him and I know had he lived I would have gone further in aviation. He was always more concerned about teaching and making you a proficient pilot than anything else.... I would like to hear from any members in his family and discuss my stories flying with JIm.. One day we will all be together again!!! Plumbnlevel@optonline.net
— RObert C Pena
Posted: August 19, 2008, 1:57 am
I was working a sector car that morning out of the 78th Pct. which bordered the 76, where Officer Rowleys aircraft went down. We were one of the first cars on the scene. The one thing that really struck us at first glance of where the helicopter hit and went down,the side of a 4 story apartment with no windows on the entire wall of the building, and a one story locked up garage adjacent. If a crash was inevitable, that was the best place to go down. All around were occupied apartment buildings. A little later on, speaking with people that witnessed the entire accident, they all were positive that they could see the pilot struggling , and almost aiming the helicopter at the top of the side of the building with no windows. After speaking with other Officers that knew Jim, everyone was certain that was what he did. S
— John Pellechia
Posted: December 28, 2008, 2:29 pm

 

 

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