James Cecil Owens Sr.

James C. Owens, Sr., was born in Manhattan, New York, on April 8, 1945. He moved to South Carolina at an early age along with his younger sister. James attended Clearview High School in Easley, South Carolina, from 1959 to 1962. He moved back to New York and graduated from Andrew Jackson High School in 1963.

James met his wife Esther more than 30 years ago. They joined in marriage on June 7, 1997, where they loved to travel in the RV, take cruise trips, share their love of Jesus, and watch old school TV shows and films, such as Bonanza, Mission Impossible, Dallas, and many others.

James joined the U.S. Air Force in 1966 and trained as an airplane mechanic. He was an honorably discharged in 1969. Following his release from the Air Force, James was employed with Ross Laboratories (Abbott Nutrition), where he was affectionately known as “J.O.” J.O would eventually retire from Ross Laboratories after thirty-one years. He was a jack of all trades and enjoyed helping others.

James loved his toys, including his orange and silver vans which he personally customized. He also enjoyed his classic cars, his motorcycle, his Bigg Toy (RV), but MOST of all, his guitar.

A self-taught “gifted” guitarist and songster, James played for many musical groups including Men in Black at Greater Christ Temple and Columbus’s own The Four Mints. 1st Genesis, Friends of Christ, Denise Winfrey, and the Gospel Singers, The Jackson Brothers (Uncles), and a host of other groups and bands including backing up for Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight.

James loved the Lord accepted Christ in 1989 at Bibleway Church. He was a man of God and would relate current events and happenings to stories in the Bible. There were several people who thought James should go into ministry about Jesus because of his knowledge of Bible Scriptures (sometimes called “The Walking Bible” by his family) and how he lived his life. Throughout his Christian journey,

James was a member of First A.M.E Zion Church, Bibleway Church of our Lord Jesus Christ and concluding his journey with Praise Temple. James loved serving the Lord with his musical talents often playing at weddings, special events and even funerals, remaining faithful until he could no longer play.

Dad, Daddy, Daddy-O, Mr. Owens, J.O, Jim, RamMan, Brother Owens, Brother-in-law, PawPaw, G-Paw, Uncle James, and sometimes James were the many names he was known by. He had an infectious smile and people were drawn to him wherever he went and because of this everyone felt a special bond with him.

James was called home to be with the Lord on August 22, 2022 surrounded by loved ones. He was blessed with 77 years of life.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Eloise Owens; his in-laws, Willie and Marie Thomas; brother, Melvin W. Owens; brother-in-Law, Lueco Allen, Jr. and his grandson, Curtis Allen Bailey.

James leaves to cherish his memory: his loving and devoted wife, Esther whom he supported in every aspect of her life; his six children, James C. Owens, Jr., Decquelyn Owens, Thomas (Toni) Owens, Darin Sherod (Heidi) Jones, Nashon (Angela) Owens and Destiny Bailey; sisters, Thelma (James) Briggs and Roslyn Williams; sister-in-law Phyllis Mbaye; brothers-in-law, William (Pam) Allen, Phillip (Lolita) Thomas, Willie (Barbara) Thomas, Ernest Thomas, and Brett Thomas; 21 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren; special aunts, Arbutis Davis, Odena Rosemond, Jeanette (Woody) Williams, Etta Mae Lee; special uncle, Sylvester Jackson and a host of relatives and friends.

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