JAMES “JIM” OWENS

LAKE CITY - James "Jim" Owens, 83, died Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at his home following a long fight with cancer.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lake City. Celebrant will be Father Tim Boekelman, and burial in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday with a rosary at 4:30 p.m. and a vigil service at 7 p.m. at Lampe Funeral Home in Lake City.

James is survived by his wife of 61 years, Katie Owens of Lake City, children, Patty Owens of Sioux City, IA, Barb (Robert) Knobloch of Jamestown, NY, Joan Robertson of San Jose, CA, Elaine (Gary) Lietz of Lake City, IA, Gerilynn (Rusty) Lainson of Des Moines, IA, Matt (Jewel) Owens of Glendale, AZ, Chris Owens of Sandy, UT, and Dan Owens of Dubuque, IA, 4 grandchildren, Chad Lietz, Rachel Reiling, Amanda Owens, and Megan Owens, and 1 great-grandson, Dwight Reiling. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cliff and Rose Owens, sister, Betty Owens, son, Michael Owens, and brothers-in-law, Frank Hogan and Jim Burns.

James Regis Owens was born September 5, 1925 in Carroll, Iowa to parents Cliff and Rose (Marley) Owens. He was schooled at Central School and Westview High School in Lake City graduating with the class of 1943. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1946 and attained the rank of Sergeant in the 24th Infantry Division of the 34th Regiment. On November 25, 1947, he was married to Mary Catherine "Katie" Hogan in Pocahontas, Iowa and began farming with his father east and south of Lake City.

Jim lived a life of faith and served in many ways to help support his community and church. He was instrumental in the advent of the God's Harvest Sale at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lake City, and helped with the beautification of the St. Mary's portion of the Lake City Cemetery as well as working with Lenny Snyder on the Veteran's Memorial in the cemetery. He served for many years on several church committees, was an active member of the Lake City V.F.W. Post #1899, serving on several committees including post commander from 1978 to 1979. He also served on the Central School Preservation Committee and the Alumni Association.