Jimmie Lee Owens, born January 20, 1948, Pike County, Kentucky to Ellis E. Owens, a timberman in the coal mines, and Dorothy Morgan. Six children were born to Jim's parents. The family moved from Elkhorn City, Ky., going to Detroit, Michigan for work, eventually settling permanently South Bend. This allowed a quick trip to Elkhorn that could be made in a weekend. (Not so easy in 1950!)

Jim attended South Bend Jefferson and John Adams High Schools, entered the Army in 1969, serving in Germany. He pursued his diploma from American School Chicago. Upon return to the states, married Cynthia Lynn Crossgrove June 18, 1970, in South Bend. Two sons Johnny L. Owens, and Andrew T. Owens were added to the family. Jim worked as a journeyman heat treater at Heat-Treat Inc., until 1973. Following his father's footsteps, moved on to Bendix (later called Allied Signal-Honeywell), retiring with 30 years of service as a machinist.

Jim's life focus was his children and throughout son's school years could always be found at their atlhetic and school events. Grandson, Ethan Ellis, only had to call "pa-pa" and Jim was there. Jim's past times were fishing on St. Joseph River, but his "river watch" was the family joke. He spent countless hours watching boat traffic and the cruising tournament fisherman. Until Jim's increasing illness, he enjoyed his two Labrador Retrievers, boating, and especially trips to Gatlinburg. He was an active member of the St. Joseph Restoration Club many years cherishing times with his buddies Phil Burndt and John Mathis.

Jim is survived by immediate family, wife Cindy, sons Johnny L. Owens, and Andrew T. Owens, (Michele), grandson, Ethan Ellis (mother Jennifer), brother Fred M. Owens (Kelly) of South Bend, sister Connie S. Horn, South Bend, Robert E. Morgan of Elkhorn City, Ky. 

He was preceded in death by both parents, Ellis and Dorothy, brother, Johnny Michael, sister, Cathy Lee Owens James-Williams, and grandson, Dakota Lee Owens.

There will be no funeral per Jim's request and family will attend an internment at Chapel Hill Garden Osceola, at a later date.

Special thanks to Dr. Walter Langheinrich, Dr. Scott Blickensderfer, Dr. Andrew McAfee, Dr. Jose' Bufil, and Dr. Binh Tran, for excellent supportive care these past 13 years of Jim's illness. Jim felt very fortunate to have such a skilled team.

01/24/2023 JFC