Obituary of James Cowen

James Russell Cowen was born August 23, 1939 at his home in Granada, Colorado. The first child of Russell R. Cowen and Sylvia Janney (Robertson) Cowen. James was a delight to all of his family because he was the first born male child and grandson to James and Stella Robertson. The Robertson family consisted of 10 daughters at that time, later the Robertson’s would have 2 uncles for Jim to play with, of course Jim, always thought he was the boss. Over the next several years Jim would become the big brother to 5 sisters and 1 brother. The sisters are Lavarra Lee, deceased in 1940, Elsie, Florence, Flora, Sandy and brother Samuel. Jim went to several grade schools as a child, all the way from Lamar to Rocky Ford. His parents finally settled in Lamar where Jim continued his education in Lamar schools. He was a special brother to his little sisters because he was a complete teaser, wasn’t happy unless he had one sister or the other hollering for dad to come and take care of this ornery brother. The sisters would get even though, they would promise to play cowboys and Indians, if he would play house with them, but of course when it came time to play Jim’s game, they wouldn’t play. Jim was a good brother though; he worked his way through high school, after school and summers to help his parents buy the books for all of his siblings to go to school in the fall. He was a fun loving high school kid who loved dancing and beautiful cars. He loved his Lord and did some preaching and loved to lead the singing in his church. Jim married Gloria Jean Newman, April 12, 1958. To this union 3 children were born, James Russell, February 10, 1959, Ronda Jean, August 15, 1960, Debra Jo, May 23, 1963. Son James passed away October 17, 2008. Grandchildren are Angela, Mariyah, Karee, Angie Mae, Aaron, Gerad, Kaci, Janna, Alissa, Sergio, Caitlin, Sarah, Rebecca and Aaron. 5 great grandchildren also survive. Jim had joined the Army in 1958, and finished his High School there plus many more classes over the years; he served 2 tours of duty in Vietnam as a Medic, while with the Colorado National Guard, and later joined the Reserves. He retired from the Army in 1999, with the rank of Major. Jim went to work for the Colorado Department of Highways, as a maintenance worker from 1961, until 1975, then as a Senior Highway Foreman until 1987, and became Highway Maintenance Superintendent, in 1987 and retired in 1995 in that position. On December 17, 1976, Jim married Beverly (Stone) Thelen, and 2 more sons were added, William Paul and Kevin Eugene. Over the next years, Jim and Bev were dancing, whenever possible, sometimes traveling to Denver or Colorado Springs. They also attended auctions, yard sales, searched thrift stores, wherever they could find a bargain, and then selling locally or at the Flea Market in Denver. Jim served on the Seibert Fire Dept and on the Ambulance. Around 1980 he became a State Certified instructor for the EMT course and taught several classes, he served on the Seibert Town Council between 1976 and 1987. Jim and Bev did a lot of traveling with campers, often with granddaughters, Angela and Mariyah, which, had resulted in many tales of adventures to be told and retold. Later other grandchildren joined the camping trips. After his retirement in 1995, many more trips were enjoyed by Jim and Bev. On June 26, Jim entered the hospital in Burlington and returned home on June 29 with Hospice Care. He passed away, at home, with family present, on June 30. Jim is survived by wife Beverly, of the home, daughter, Ronda (Terry) Skull of Avondale, CO, daughter Debra Bottorff of Pueblo, CO, mother Sylvia J. Cowen of Portales, NM, sisters; Elsie Dunn (John) of Lamar, CO, Florence (Harry) Spitzer of Wiley, CO, Flora Blake of Tucson, AZ, Sandra (Paul) Newsome of Portales, NM and brother Sam (Lavone) Cowen of Peyton, CO. He is also survived by stepsons, Bill (Shyla) Thelen of Ellensburg, WA and Kevin Thelen of Hugo, CO, nine granddaughters, four grandson, five great grandsons, numerous aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins and many friends. He will be missed.