James Keith Owen

James "Jim" Owen passed away on December 1 7 th in Central Point OR at the age of 94.

Jim was born in Grants Pass and grew up near Holland, OR. He graduated from Kerby High School.

Jim attended Southern Oregon University where he played football and graduated with a degree in education. It was during his freshman year that he met his future wife, Barbara Jean Pritchard. The two were married in 1951. The young couple moved to Sutherlin for Jim's first teaching job but were not there long. He was drafted into the army in 1956 and was deployed to Germany. Barbara joined him a few months later. While in the service, Jim taught enlisted men to prepare for obtaining their GED's and he and Barbara traveled all over Europe. This began their lifelong joy of travel.

Jim taught for over 20 years, most of those years at Scenic Junior High School in the math department. After retiring from education, he worked as a salesman for Western Beverage and his last position as a warehouse foreman.

In addition to their overseas travel with family and friends, Jim and Barbara loved to camp and explore other states.

Jim was a true renaissance man. He loved music, plays, reading, and at one time, was a pretty good cartoonist. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing. His gardening skills were second to none. The grandkids loved picking out pumpkins every fall and eating all the berry varieties he grew.

Jim was a devoted husband for over 60 years before he lost his wife to Alzheimer's. He was an amazing father to his three children, and he loved watching his family grow.

Jim is proceeded in death by his wife, Barbara, his brother, Jack Owen and a multitude of life-long friends. He is survived by his three children, Lori Dean (Larry), Doug Owen (Tara) and Julie Baayoun. He will be missed by his grandchildren Anna Hobbs (Heath), Alex Parke (Cassi), Shelby McHugh (Dylan), Allison Hilligoss (Marty) and Zak Baayoun. He was proud to be a great grandfather to ten.

Few people live their life exactly how they wanted. Jim was one of those people. Always true to himself, happy with what he had, honest, often to a fault (if you know, you know).

A celebration of life will be held March14th at 10am at Memory Gardens 1395 Arnold Lane with a reception following.