James Anthony Owens

James Anthony Owens, 63, peacefully passed away in his sleep Monday morning, August 26, 2019, in his home. He is survived by his wife of twenty-nine years, Clair Juenell (Williams) Owens, his sons Benjamin Earl Jesse Owens (Sarah) and Jared Lawrence Nelson Owens (Kaylee), brother Kelly Carl Owens, father Lawrence C. Owens, half-sister Michele Costner and other half-siblings along with a vast and loving family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Betty J. (Gray) Owens and his step-mother Bea (Foley) Owens.

During his high school years, Jim competed as a Golden Gloves pugilist and billiards player. He had a passion for working on cars and developed his love of woodworking early in life, polishing skills which he used throughout his career.

Jim graduated early from Wood Memorial High School and entered the United States Navy, initially serving as a Boiler Technician on the USS Hoel and later serving as a Seal. After assignments in several locations around the world, he was honorably discharged from the Navy and then served as a captain in the Merchant Marines, piloting barges on the Southern river ways. After returning to Southern Indiana, he focused on construction, taking enjoyment from working on custom furniture cabinet design and construction, carpentry, and interior design, working both independently with his own company Owens Construction and at Styline Office Furniture Systems, Gibson General Hospital, Corporate Design, Furrows, North American Construction, Hobgood, and Menards where he was employed since the Princeton store opened in 2008.

Jim served as a deacon at First Christian Church in Oakland City in the 80s and 90s and later as a Trustee at St. Marks United Methodist Church in Princeton in the 90s. He attended Bethel Memorial Church in Princeton for the last fifteen years.

He was raised as a Master Mason in Prince Lodge #231 on January 19, 2010, moving through the ranks to serve as Worshipful Master in 2017. He also joined the Vincennes York Rite Commandery of Knights Templar.

He was an avid outdoorsman and sharpshooter who instructed his sons in marksmanship and dedicated himself to raising his sons to be strong men who valued family. He readily told anyone within arm’s length how he was so proud of the men they had become. He was devoted to his wife, constantly surprising her with flowers.

Above all his professional accomplishments and endeavors, he was a loving husband and father.

Visitation on Sunday, September 1, will begin at 1:00 p.m. (Central time) at the Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton. The Masonic memorial will begin at 3:30, followed by a service led by Pastor Kevin Wilson of Bethel Memorial Church. Graveside services will follow at Montgomery Cemetery in Oakland City, Indiana. Full military rites will be provided by Retired Military Veterans. Flowers or memorial donations to the Indiana Masonic Home or Masonic Scholarship (information available through Prince Lodge #231) are both welcome. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Colvin Funeral Home is honored to serve the Owens family. You may leave a message of sympathy or light a candle in memory of Jim at www.colvinfuneralhome.com.

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