James Michael Cowell Sr.

Rev. James Michael Cowell Sr, 73, was born in New Bern, North Carolina on August 4, 1953, and returned to his Lord’s embrace on October 6, 2026. Now at peace in his heavenly home, Mike has been reunited with his parents, Dallas and Doris (Gaskins) Cowell, and his dear brother, David.

Mike lived a life rooted in faith, guided by service, and made extraordinary through his love for others. As a combat medic and soldier he dedicated himself to his country and caring for others. He continued that calling as a paramedic extending his compassion to those in need after service, and later spent 15 years working happily as the Head Branch Manager of the Siler City library, where he enjoyed being with his community. Mike went on to move the hearts of all those he could as a preacher and pastor for 48 years offering hope through his sermons, comfort through his faith, and compassion through how he lived. Mike proudly served many churches, his final years of dedication was given to the Bible Baptist Church in Jacksonville. Though the circumstances of his service changed, its purpose never did. Whether tending to wounded soldiers or guiding his congregation towards God's hope and faith, Mike spent his life healing people.

Mike’s greatest legacy was not simply the life he lived, but the lives that became intertwined with his own. For 54 years, he shared that life with his beloved wife, Debbie, and together they built a family that grew to span generations. In his children and grandchildren, his story became something larger than himself, carried forward through the memories they shared, the values he passed down, and the eternal love that connected them. Though his passing marks the end of the moments on this earth that they can share with him, it cannot undo the years that shaped them or the love that made those years meaningful. 

He leaves his family with the lasting comfort of a love that will continue to hold them, even in his absence. That love will endure in the stories they tell, the memories they revisit, and the countless ways his life remains woven in their own. In this way Mike will remain–not only in the memories of those who knew him, but in the lives that will forever bear the imprint of his own. Through every season of life, his family will continue to carry forward his legacy of God's love, until what he gave them becomes part of what they give to others.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 54 years, Debra Sumrell Cowell of the home; his sons, James Michael Cowell Jr. (Lowrey, & James Michael Cowell III) of Colfax, and Joshua Cowell of Raleigh; his daughters, Michele Uldrich (Abigail, Sarah, Bethany, Jonathan, Daniel) of New Bern, Rebekah Cowell (Hannah) of Carrboro, Elizabeth Flores (Jose & Arabella, Salvador) of Durham, and Amanda Jones (Russell & Dave, Zoe) of Gaffney, SC. He is also, survived by his sisters, Anne Bullard (Marshall) of New Bern and Brenda Temple of Virginia Beach, VA. 

May our Lord who welcomed him home, bring peace to all who knew him and may the memories of his life be a lasting blessing. May the love he leaves behind continue to shine through the lives that will carry his legacy forward and the faith he held so dearly, points toward a reunion beyond this life.

A private service and burial will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

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