James Elmer (Jim) Owens passed away quietly and peacefully the morning of January 9, 2012 at his home in Vancouver, Washington.

Jim was the second child of eight born to Thelma and Walter Owens on May 31, 1933 in Clearfield, Kentucky.  He grew up in the Clearfield/Morehead area of Rowan county in eastern Kentucky.  He played Baseball and Basketball in High school.

In 1954, Jim joined the U.S. Army to serve during the Korean conflict.  He was stationed in Japan, where he met his wife Ginny.  They were married in 1958 in Selah, WA, and had 2 sons.

Jim served as an Officer in the Yakima Police Department.  He was injured from a gun shot in the line of duty.  After his limited disability, he worked at several other jobs, including a bus driver, basketball coach, corrections officer, counselor, and driver’s education teacher before retiring.  He served as a deacon and an elder at Charter Oak Church for many years.

Jim loved to read and watch movies, especially old Westerns.  He wrote stories and poetry, enjoyed puzzles and spending time with his grandkids.  He and his wife traveled many places, including a trip to visit friends in Australia several years ago.

He was preceded in death by his father Walter Owens; mother Thelma Owens; and brothers Ward, Richard and Fred Owens.

He is survived by his wife Ginny Owens of Vancouver; sons James (Teri) Owens II and Jeffrey (Michal Ann) Owens of Vancouver; sisters Eugenia Grogg of Kentucky, Lois Ann Gerald of Florida and Angeline Eason of Georgia; brother Lee Owens of Florida; six grandchildren and one great-grandson; many beloved friends and extended family.

A memorial service was held at Laurelwood Baptist Church in Vancouver, Washington, where Jim and Ginny are members.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim’s memory to Voice of the Martyrs at http://www.persecution.com/