James Owen Cowen

James O. 'Jimmy' Cowen, 88, of Pueblo, Colo., devoted husband and father, passed away Dec. 1, 2009, surrounded by his family. Survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Frances Catherine; daughters, Catherine (Daryl) Wedwick of Hot Springs Village, Ark., Betsy Cowen of Pueblo, Mary (Jay Newberg) Cowen of Boulder, Therese (Don) Colalancia of Pueblo; grandchildren, James Beitner, Mike Beitner, Christy Colalancia, Sara Colalancia; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members. Preceded in death by his parents, Azariah and Rhoda Victoria Cowen; brothers, John, Oscar, Roscoe, Ralph, Lowell and Freddy Cowen. James was born Dec. 19, 1920, in Pueblo, was raised on the family celery farm in Booth Gardens, east of town, attended Belle Plains School, which his father helped found and later attended Centennial High School. He was inducted into the Army in 1942, at age 22 - one of five Cowen brothers who served in WWII and returned safely. James earned battle stars in the invasion of Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge, the Battle of the Rhine and the Maginot Line. In 1994, he returned to Normandy for the 50th anniversary of D-Day, and received the Jubilee of Liberty medal. James married Frances on Dec. 15, 1945, at St. Patrick Church. They resided in St. Pius X Parish for more than 50 years. He was a life long car lover who worked at Geoff Motor Company and later owned his own paint and body shop. James was a member of the American Legion Post No. 2, Our Lady of the Meadows and worked at CF&I Steel for nearly 40 years before he retired. The family would like to thank Sangre de Cristo Hospice, especially Scott Berry, RN, Dr. Laurence Jensen and his nurse Shelley and the Wynwood Assisted Living staff. Visitation, 6 to 7 p.m. Friday at Our Lady of the Meadows, 23 Starling Dr, followed by Vigil service at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian burial, 10 a.m. Saturday with the Reverend Father Kevin Novack as celebrant. Military honors by Colorado Army National Guard Honor Guard and interment at Roselawn Cemetery. In lieu of food and flowers, memorials may be made to Sangre de Cristo Hospice through Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, 1317 N. Main St., Pueblo, Colo. 81003. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com