James M. Cowley

James “Jim” M. Cowley, 82, passed away peacefully Friday, September 14, 2018, at his home in Kansas City, Missouri. A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 29th at King of Kings Lutheran Church. Visitation at 9:30 am, service at 10:30 am, with a luncheon at the church to follow.

Jim was born on August 22, 1936 in New Boston, Texas to parents Joe Edgar Cowley and Mary Elizabeth Eaton Cowley. After graduating from New Boston High School, he joined the United States Air Force. He served in the Air Force for 8 years and ended his service a veteran of the Korean War. Jim was extremely proud of the time he had dedicated to serving his country.

Following his service in the Air Force, Jim moved to Fremont, California, where he spent time building and driving race cars and working as an accomplished mechanic. It is there that he met and married his beloved wife of 46 years, Ginger Crabb, in 1972. They soon moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where they established roots for the remainder of their marriage. In Kansas City, Jim last worked for Lake City Army Ammunition Plant as a lineman and retired in 2005.

Jim was an active member of King of Kings Lutheran Church. He was extremely strong in his faith and did everything he could to give love and support to all those around him. He was fiercely devoted to his faith, his family, and his friends.

Another one of his passions in life was the Boy Scouts of America. Jim began his time with the organization in 1986. He held a variety of positions in Troop 270, HOAC-Northstar District and H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation. He loved spending his summers at H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation, first as a parent, then as a staff member. He was on staff at the camp from 1996-2012. His favorite aspects about belonging to the scouting organization were spending time with the boys, and listening to and counseling them as a friend and mentor. Jim attained the rank of Keeper of the Wampum in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.

Some of Jim’s hobbies included fishing, camping, watching sports, and wood-working. He was a skilled carpenter and immensely enjoyed crafting furniture for anyone that asked it of him. Jim was an avid Texas fan and loved cheering on the Longhorns in his favorite Texas hat and shirt. He was a jokester with a great sense of humor and had a smile that could light up a room.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Joe Edgar and Mary Elizabeth Cowley; siblings Ray Cowley, Lillie Faye Warren, Doyle Cowley, Walter Cowley, and Lloyd Cowley, all from Texas.

Survivors of Jim include his devoted wife, Ginger Cowley; children, Bryan Cowley (Mariapia, granddaughter Amelie), Yvonne Srem (John, grandsons Zayle and Kallias), Vince Cowley, Rachael Cook (Ryan, granddaughter Emma), Mason Cowley (Kim, grandsons Adam and Nathan); brother, Floyd Cowley (Connie); mother-in-law, Jewell Crabb; and many beloved siblings-in-law, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to “BSA in Memory of James Cowley”. The memorial fund will aid in sending boys to Scout Camp – a mission very important to Jim. Contributions can be mailed to Boys Scouts of America, 10210 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131.

Jim was incredibly funny, loving, generous, and kind. He was a loyal and dedicated man who cared for his family and friends deeply and would do anything for them. He will be greatly missed and cherished by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.