James "Jim" Edward Owens

QMC James E. “Jim” Owens, USN Ret., 87 of Clyde, Texas went to meet his heavenly Father on April 15, 2023, following a lengthy battle with dementia. A private military graveside service will be held at the Dallas-Ft. Worth National Cemetery at a later date. Jim was born on Dec 13, 1935, in Brooksville, Florida to Henry A. and Gladis Rhodes Owens. He joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 17, saying that he “fibbed about his age”. He honorably served for over 20 years, obtaining the rank of Quarter Master Chief Petty Officer. He was assigned to many ships and saw a lot of the world as a navigator and later, a recruiter. Jim married Rose Marie Means on December 23, 1956. They enjoyed 43 years of adventure, many camping trips and motorcycle journeys with friends and family. Together they owned R & J Janitorial Service prior to Rose’s death on September 05, 2000. On July 14, 2005, Jim married Bobbie Deanna Pry Wilkerson. They enjoyed making jewelry, gardening and tending to their many chickens. They shared 17 years before her death on March 18, 2023. Jim was first and foremost an adventurer. After seeing the world and sailing the seven seas in the U. S. Navy, he retired and settled in Clyde, Texas in 1974. He started traveling throughout the United States by motorcycle, adventuring thousands of miles. His last motorcycle trip was from Texas to an “Owens” family reunion in Florida at 80 years of age. He was a faithful member of the Hillcrest Church of Christ. He loved studying Old Testament history. Jim was a long-time member of the Central Texas Gem and Mineral Society, where he taught Silversmithing classes, developed many lifelong friendships and created many beautiful pieces of artwork. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his brother and five sisters, his first wife Rose and his second wife Bobbie. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Paula and Bruce Smotherman; daughter and son-in-law Rose and Sparky Dean; five grandchildren James Smotherman and wife Fahm, Misty Madueno and husband Randy, Marie Stout and husband Will, Kelli Mitchell and Melissa Dean; twelve great-grandchildren as well as a bonus family from his marriage to Bobbie. Many thanks from the family to the staff at both Clyde Nursing Home and Northern Oaks Living and Rehabilitation Center in Abilene for their kind care. A special thanks to Hendrick Hospice Care for their care and comfort in Dad’s last days. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hillcrest Church of Christ, Alzheimer’s Association, or the charity of their choice.