James Earl Owens

James Earl Owens, God's gift of Father, Father-in Law, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Uncle, Brother and Friend to many, passed away peacefully at age 88 in Colorado Springs, Colorado on Friday, October 14, 2022. He was born in Anniston, Alabama in 1934, the first of four children of Samuel and Viney Owens. One sister, Joyce, survives; another sister Melvina is deceased.

James graduated from Northern High School in Flint, Michigan; following graduation in 1952, he worked in a Flint General Motors auto plant as had his father before, and with him. James began his Air Force career in 1953 at age 19 as an Electronic Communications and Cryptographic Equipment Repair specialist, and eventually was promoted to Computer Maintenance Superintendent; his 23 years of service sent him to military assignments in Wyoming, Florida, Turkey, Germany, Japan, Mississippi, California, Tennessee, Georgia, Washington DC, Michigan, Alaska, and Colorado. When stationed at the Pentagon in 1969, James earned the Honor Graduate Award in the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy Class 69-D, the highest award presented to the Academy graduates.

James later earned the Associate's Degree in Communication Information Systems at the University of Alaska Anchorage. While in Colorado Springs, he maintained computers and supervised staff at the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and Peterson Air Force Base. During his enlistment, James was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal (Germany), Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Longevity Service Award with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. The list of his contributions via his expertise ranges widely and remains highly significant within the U.S. Air Force. He retired in 1975 as a Senior Master Sergeant.

Following retirement, James worked in supervisory and computer maintenance positions for General Automation and Hewlett Packard, and later owned Owens Information Services. James also worked at Office Depot to remain current with the latest technology.

James volunteered his time with several business and community activities, including the following:

• Board of Directors, Colorado Springs Black Chamber of Commerce

• Board of Directors, Colorado Springs Child Nursery Centers

• Colorado Springs Chamber

• Colorado Springs Hispanic Chamber

• Colorado Springs Coalition of Black Concerned Citizens

• Colorado Springs Police Department Community Advisory Panel

• Intel Community Advisory Panel

• Operations Chairman, Southern Colorado Trade Fair

• Pikes Peak United Way

• Member and Volunteer, Urban League of the Pikes Peak Region

• Member and Volunteer, American Heart Association

• NAACP Life Member

Hiking and outdoor sports learning occupied James’ time, energy and long friendships during his time in Michigan. Hiking and walking long distances outdoors were among his preferred pursuits throughout life. James climbed Mt. Fujiyama in Japan, and while in Colorado he climbed many of the 14,000+ foot peaks. He also volunteered to repair many hiking trails when possible. Such hikes supported his interests in photography, done amidst natural formations prevalent in Colorado. Golf, bowling, skiing, sailing, and biking were a few of his many sports passions, each shared with family. He also enjoyed being a clever terror on the tennis court! Whatever the focus, James approached it with tenacity.

James loved many genres of music, later studying Classical guitar. He listened to countless recordings, attended live performances of military bands in Washington DC, Alaska, and Colorado, and saw many other performances over the years.

James was highly adept at all things technical, including car repair, which he enjoyed doing with and for his children. He and son Douglas rebuilt the engine of a 1967 Pontiac Tempest in the home garage in the late 1970s.

A marriage to Miriam, son Douglas Owens, daughter Lisa Gurule; daughter-in-law Jeannine Owens, son-in law Ed Wright; grandchildren Nina Gurule, Connor and spouse Ingrid Gurule, and Oliver and Quincy Owens, and six great grandchildren have enriched his life. We now mourn James’ passing from our lives.

A celebration of life memorial service for James will be held Saturday, November 5, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Mountain View Mortuary, 2350 Montebello Square Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918, followed by a reception from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MtViewMortuary.com for the Owens family.