James Coley Cowden

James Coley Cowden passed away on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at his home in Austin. Coley was a cherished husband, son, father and grandfather. Born on September 11, 1942 in Midland, Texas to Allen and Olive Vick Cowden, he was the grandson of a pioneer Midland ranching family. Coley loved the state of Texas, ranching, and raising cattle and horses. Coley had an avid love for Midland and all the roots his family established as he continued in the family business of ranching, banking and oil. Coley had a direct manner, an acerbic wit and a forthright demeanor. Coley’s love for The Lord was evidenced by his life endeavors. He was a well respected Bible study teacher with a passionate knowledge of the Scriptures. Coley attended Midland High School and The University of Texas at Austin, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta. While at the university, he met and married Jeanie Tunstill Cowden of Fort Worth. They have been married for 55 years and have three children, all graduates of The University of Texas at Austin.

Coley was appointed by Governor William Clements as a member of The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse and appointed by Speaker Tom Craddick to serve on The Texas State Cemetery Committee under Governor Rick Perry. He also served as president of The University of Texas Parents Association, as chairman of PDAP Midland (Palmer Drug Abuse Program), as board president of The Racquet Club of Midland, trustee of Trinity School of Midland and Director of Texas American Bank.

Coley was preceded in death by his parents Olive and Allen Cowden, his sister Emma Sue Cowden Hightower, and his brother-in- law H. Wayne Hightower of Houston. He is survived by his wife Jeanie, daughter Christy Cowden Little, sons James Coley (Duke) Cowden, Jr. and wife Heidi and Allen Tunstill Cowden and wife Kristin and ten grandchildren: Jake and Olivia Little; Marilee, Clara Grace, Coley, Coulter and Adelaide Cowden; and Jack, Luke and Lucy Cowden.

Serving as honorary pallbearers are: Ed Auler, Tom Craddick, Ferrell Davis, Paul Davis, Jack Eiteljorg, Andy Elliott, Jim Hall, Tevis Herd, David Herndon, H. Wayne Hightower, Jr., Ed Horne, Don Jones, Hagen McMahon, Jon Means, Charles Morrison, Steve Norman, Joe O’Neill, Rodney Satterwhite, Bob Savage, Ed Small, David Smith, Robert Speed, Charles Teeple, Steve Thomas, James Tom, Jack Wilkinson, Louis Williams, and Charles Younger.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Rd., Austin, Texas 78759 or Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, N.C. 28607.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, September 9th at Texas State Cemetery, 909 Navasota St., Austin, Texas, 78702 at 10:00 a.m.