We Remember
OWENS, James Matthew
September 14, 2024 — September 14, 2024
It is with great sorrow we announce the sudden passing of James “Jim” Owens. Survived by His loving wife Joyce, his daughters Colleen (Thomas), Linda and Karen and his son Michael. Grandchildren include Julie-Ann, John, Prima, Chelsea, Christina, Paul and Michelle. Great-grandchildren: Hollis, Addyson, Emily, Scarlett, Kale, Callie, Elizabeth, Layla and Cohen. Jim lived life to the fullest, traveling all over Canada and the world; first with his job with the Canadian Armed Forces as a Warrant Officer, and then subsequently with his government posting with the Department of External Affairs from 1975 until retirement in 1990. During this time Jim and Joyce lived in Washington D.C., Romania, the Soviet Union, Egypt, Syria, Sweden and Germany. After retirement, Jim and Joyce happily settled in Kelowna. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, November 17th, 2016 at 10 a.m. at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna B.C. Anyone wishing to send flowers please send them to Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna B.C. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Service
Thursday, November 17th, 2016 at 10 a.m.
Location
Springfield Funeral Home
Always smiling and having a laugh is how I remember him. Loved his stories of foreign travels. RIP, Uncle Jimmy. BTW… a lady I know said he was “the most handsome man I have ever seen.” That MAY be inappropriate for this time and place but, to whom and where else would I tell it? Aunt Joyce and family… my sincerest condolences. I also remember stories Uncle Chic told about Uncle Jim when they were teenagers. Quite a guy.
Uncle Jimmy held a very special place in my heart. He was the person who reminded me of my father more than anyone in the world. I remember every visit we ever had from uncle Jimmy when I was a child. He always brought something special for us from wherever he was living in the world. I still have a wallet that he brought me from Cairo, My brother Jim and I had army stripes sewn onto our jean jackets that he had brought us when we were around 5 years old. He brought us a souvenir hockey stick from the Soviet Union signed by the 1980 red army hockey team. We were out of our minds with excitement. More recently( about 15 years ago) I had the privilege to take Uncle Jimmy and my dad golfing here in Moncton. We had a wonderful time. I found the two of them were so similar, each one telling one story after another always with the goal of making you laugh. I loved Uncle Jimmy’s stories. When you saw them together hey both had a similar positive outlook on life. It’s a wonderful memory I have of him and i’m deeply saddened by his passing.
Please accept my family’s sincere condolences on your loss.
Charlie Owens
It was always special when our family visited with Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Joyce. There were many cups of tea and slices of pound cake. Mom would be excited days before the visit and I can still hear and see her in uncontrollable fits of laughter during story time. Uncle Jimmy even got Dad giggling but Dad and the rest of us were also fascinated by the stories that uncle Jimmy and aunt Joyce shared about their travels. We all had admiration for their adventurous spirits. I too got special gifts from Uncle Jimmy- one was a green silk dress from Vietnam when he was there in the sixties and I loved it. I regret that I did not achieve my goal to visit with him one more time. The entire extended Owens family is blessed to have shared Uncle Jimmy’s kindness, loyalty, wisdom and joy. We will remember him with a smile – a very big smile. Much love to aunt Joyce and all my cousins – my thoughts are with you at this very sad time. I know that your hearts are aching.
Julia Anne Farewell
Dear Joyce, Colleen, Michael, Karen, and Linda,
Uncle Jimmy was always lots of fun and laughs. He loved talking about all his adventures and travels. Although, I am sure he had difficult moments in the Armed Forces.
I am sending many hugs to your family during this very difficult time. Losing a loved one is very painful. May you find peace in your dearest memories and knowing that others are with you in thoughts and prayers.
Suzanne and Raafat
Newmarket,Ontario