John W Owens

Beloved Husband of Alice M. Owens (Deceased) and loving Father of Jacqueline Loyer (Ron), John (Laura), Gary, Matthew (Lina), Jeannine Owens, Bartholomew (Wendi); Grandfather of William, Danielle (Michael), Jesse (Corinne), Bryana (Erick), Marlena, Kristin (Quinn), Kyle, Ryan (Jenna), Owen (Julia), Evan, Sydnie (lan), Abigayle/Max; Great Grandfather of Neekon, Holden, Jacqueline, Maverick, Mason, and Dallas.

Brother to Chuck (Deceased), Molly (Deceased), Kitty (Deceased), Dave (Joanne), and Jim (Ruth).

Before meeting Alice, Jack served in the Army during the Korean War. He was

ordered to report for the Armed Forces Physical Examination on January 28, 1952. That was followed by a report for Induction on September 11, 1952, putting him in the largest group of 171 Draftees and off he went to Fort Knox, Kentucky as a Private to be selected to train in Armored Forces. One of his proudest accomplishments in the Army was ranking 6th in a Class of Non-Commissioned Officers Academy to earn the stripes of Sergeant.

Upon returning from the war, Jack took a job as a lineman for the electric company where he met, worked with, and befriended Jim, Joe, and Dick. Little did he know that he and Jim would become lifelong friends shortly after Jim introduced Jack to Alice, his younger sister! I think he won her over with his quick wit and charm! They had a big ol' traditional wedding almost halted by a blizzard, and Alice's bridal veil melted in part on a hot register at the reception; but the band played on.

Just over a year later, they welcomed the first of their six children.

Jack, Jim, Joe, and Dick left their jobs to be hired at the telephone company...as linemen. Throughout his career Jack continued to climb, switching to a corporate ladder. He also served as a Board Member for the Telephone Credit Union which sent him to meetings away from home in sometimes faraway places for extended weekends taking Alice with him and she could not pack fast enough! Even after retiring, Jack was asked to be hands on supervisor updating telephone wires, cables, and service in other countries including Mexico and Thailand.

Ironically both countries shook things up just a li'l bit with earthquakes. Alice was just a li'l bit panicked hearing that on the news.

Jack and Alice had moved their growing family a couple times to upsize their houses. In doing so, Jack became skilled at plumbing, electrical, painting, drywalling, carpentry, and every other facet of homeownership. He built, added on, and remodeled. He even tore a house and barn down.

As you may remember, Jack was quite possibly addicted to his car hobby, it seemed as soon as he got one finished and sold, he was looking for another to build. He took on other ways of being creative, too, such as making tile trivets, jewelry boxes, model ships, candle boxes, rocking horses, dollhouses, and little barns. In his youth he learned to play the harmonica quite well. And boy, could he whistle a tune! He always made time to father us, play with us, teach us, and entertain us. Jack, or in this case Dad, mentored, advised, forbade, instructed, teased, and encouraged. He rarely yelled but when he did, we knew someone was in trouble as his language could be quite colorful!

First and foremost was the love of his life, Alice. They didn't have to make time for each other; they always had that time. It was as if they were in the lockstep, had goals, and had each other's back with deep respect for their marriage and family.

I do believe, no, I know Jack had a good life with very few regrets. For that I'm grateful having such inspiration. All of us that knew him know that there's so much more to him, but like life, our time here is limited.

Please come join us in celebrating Jack's life May 21, 2025

St. Bartholomew Church

14865 Bagley Road, Middleburg Hts.

The Viewing will begin at 11:00 a.m. in the vestibule of the church

followed by the Mass at noon.

Interment will be Private.