James was born in Waynesboro on August 26, 1945 to Maggie Lee Wood Owens Rusmiselle and Walter Owens.
In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his loving wife of 39 years, Linda C. Owens, and son John T. Owens.
James is survived by his adopted family Brad and Barbi Theado, Sister In Law Janet Jones, two nieces Wendy Gregory and Teresa Gregory and children, all of Winston-Salem, NC, and several cousins, notably Rice Brooks of Waynesboro, Daughter In Law Linda Owens of Waynesboro, and many special friends and adopted family members.
James served our country proudly for 22 years in the United States Army, with tours in Greenland and Vietnam, as well as several duty stations stateside. He also worked for 32 years at Waynetex, retiring in 2008. After retiring, James was a dedicated volunteer for the American Legion Post 340, The Wayne Theater, Kiwanis Club of Waynesboro and Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Habitat for Humanity, to name a few.
James was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Waynesboro, from a very young age, and anyone who knew him knows he loved to talk about the history of Waynesboro and the surrounding area. It would be a challenge to find anyone else who knew more about the town he loved to call home.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8pm on Wednesday, June 14th at Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes in Waynesboro. The following week a funeral service will be held on Thursday June 22nd at 10am at Grace Lutheran Church in Waynesboro, with graveside military honors to follow at Augusta Memorial Park. A reception will be offered by the church following at noon.
Active pallbearers will be Ron Almarode and Jerry Kite from Grace Lutheran, Lance Barton and Bryce Dennison from SAW Habitat for Humanity and Tim Childress and Carl Persing from Kiwanis. His good friend Bob Barrette is honorary pallbearer.
Memorial contributions can be made in James’ honor to Grace Lutheran Church - 500 S Wayne Ave. Waynesboro, VA 22980, Kiwanis Club of Waynesboro Foundation – PO Box 981 Waynesboro, VA 22980, or SAW Habitat for Humanity – PO Box 3188, Staunton, VA 24402.
Arrangements entrusted to the kind people of Reynold Hamrick Funeral Homes of Waynesboro.
Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com
