Brigadier General John Coy Rowland

Brigadier General John Coy Rowland, age 82, of Grand Ledge, MI surrounded by his loving family, passed away Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at McLaren Hospital Lansing, MI. John was born in the beautiful hills of Ewing, Virginia on February 15, 1941. The son of Galvin and Edith Rowland. John and his family moved to Monroe, Michigan in 1944. John graduated from Airport High School, Carlton, MI in 1959. After graduation, he received a Board of Regents Scholarship to attend Eastern Michigan University. During college John sold his textbooks then drove to Chicago to rescue Judy Vreeland from becoming a flight attendant. They married in Chicago on November 2, 1962. John was commissioned as an infantry officer in August, 1965 after graduating from Eastern Michigan University and completion of R.O.T.C. John’s college graduation gift was a trip to Vietnam. He entered active duty in October, 1965 and completed the Infantry Officers Basic Course (OBC) at Fort Benning, Georgia, then graduated from flight school in September of 1966. After flight school he was transferred to the 1st Cavalry Division, Republic of Vietnam where he served as a pilot, section leader, platoon leader and S2 of the 227th Aviation Battalion. While in Vietnam, he flew 839 hours of combat time, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star and 32 Air Medals. After Vietnam, he was transferred to Forth Wolters, Texas and served as a flight instructor until January of 1969 when he was released from active duty. After this, John transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve. In February of 1972 he joined the Michigan Army National Guard as a part-time helicopter pilot. Returning to civilian life, he worked as a sales engineer and general manager for two automotive suppliers in the Detroit area. He then purchased a small flight school, Wolverine Aviation Inc. at Willow Run Airport. He sold that business in 1974 when John accepted a full-time position with the Michigan Army National Guard in Grand Ledge, Michigan. While working at the Army Aviation Support Facility, John served as a flight instructor, Operations Officer, Facility Commander, and State Aviation Officer. He then took a job with Spartan Motors as Director of International Operations. While serving in this capacity, he supervised the company's operations in Mexico. John retired from Spartan Motors in 1994. John is a dual-rated Master Army Aviator with over 9,700 hours of flight time. He was promoted to Brigadier General in 1994 as the Deputy Commander, Maneuver, for the 38th Infantry Division (M). in this assignment he was responsible for the tactical training and deployment of over 15,000 combat soldiers. Other military decorations include the Legion of Merit, two Meritorious Service Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and other service medals. In 1997 he was honored by being inducted into the Eastern Michigan R.O.T.C. Hall of Fame. On July 23, 1997 John received Senate confirmation for promotion of the rank of Major General. He retired in October of 1997 and transferred to the Inactive Army Reserve. He is a long-time director and past President of Michigan's Freedom Foundation and is a past president of the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame. Brigadier General John C. Rowland was enshrined into the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame on October 2, 2005. John is survived by his spouse Judy, children David John Rowland, (Michele Thomas Rowland) Catherine Mary Todd (Rowland) (Joe Todd) and Robert John Rowland. Grandchildren; Katie Rowland, Zachary Rowland, Kelsey Rowland, Savannah Todd, Sam Todd (Destiny Todd) and Bella Rowland. John is preceded in death by his parents Galvin and Edith Rowland and sister, Barbara Smith (Rowland). After retirement, John and Judy and family enjoyed spending their time and summers at their lake house making loving and lasting memories. If you wish to make a donation, please donate to a veteran’s organization of your choice and or help a veteran in need. John was a good, kind, and decent man. He loved his God, country, and most of all his family. John’s final statement was “I lived my dreams, Judy.” A Military Graveside service will be held Wednesday, April 5, 2023, 12:00 PM at the Oakwood Cemetery in Grand Ledge. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 2-4:00 PM and 6-8:00 PM with a Time of Remembrance Service at 7:00 PM at the Holihan-Atkin-Barclay Funeral Home, Grand Ledge. Share your memories and condolences online at www.holihanatkin.com

Brigadier General John Coy Rowland

February 15, 1941 - March 29, 2023