I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I came across his business card today. I met Jim when my family was vacationing in Eastham and visiting the windmill. He was volunteering that day and we chatted about art, and he shared his coloring book of drawings with me for my art students. We bonded over the arts. He was a special individual and I hoped to see him again one day. Rest In Peace, kindred spirit.

I met Jim Owens at an annual national 88th Infantry Division Reunion, too many years ago to remember an exact date.  Jim and my husband Carroll served together in TRUST (Trieste United States Troops).

At one of these reunions, I discovered that Jim and I shared something in common. We were both Cape Codders.  That fact cemented our relationship, as every time we were on the cape during the summer, we would stop on the way to Provincetown and visit him at the Eastham Windmill.  We also kept in touch during the holidays.  We both enjoyed his creative calendars and his informative Christmas letters.  

One of the fondest memories is Jim proudly showing us the latest mug he had purchased.  I'm not surprised that over the years, it grew into a tremendous collection.  The most vivid memory would have to be the last time I talked to Jim, which was about two weeks after my husband passed on June 11, 2018.   I wanted to tell Jim directly of Carroll's passing, instead of him finding out thru the 88th Newsletter.  We had a wonderful conversation.  Jim sounded great. Despite having turned 90 in April, he seemed to look forward to another summer at the windmill.

I was stunned to learn, later in the year, that Jim had passed away a little more than a month after I talked to him.  Even though Jim was my husband's friend, I will miss him, especially when I am on the cape.  The trip of going past Eastham to Provincetown, will never be the same for me again. 

Jim and I served with the 88th Infantry Division in Italy. Over the years we would see each other at reunions and several times on return visits to Italy. I will miss him.

I've been coming to the Cape since 1970 when as a child my parents made the life changing (for me) decision to take our summer vacation in East Brewster. Along the way Eastham became my Cape Cod destination each July. Many years of going to The Superette & enjoying Monday evenings on the Windmill Green. Despite being a mechanical engineer I never ventured inside the windmill.

In summer 2018 I was battling work stress and almost incapable of relaxing in my favorite place. It was Wednesday of the first week and I was wound very tight. I decided to do something different and ventured into the windmill. I had no idea there was a "miller" there. That's how i met Jim. We talked about Cape Cod & of course windmills. I'm currently living in Denmark for work and Jim knew of all sorts of indmills in the area. He was wearing a 1928 baseball cap and when my girlfriend asked why he said "it was a good year to be born!"

An hour later we parted ways as friends and I left my stress behind. I was back on Cape Cod and all was well. Meeting Jim was the highlight of my week. Rest in peace my friend. You will be remembered and missed each time I have the great pleasure of being in Eastham.

I met Jimmy and his brother, my husband-to-be  on the USS Randolph open house July 4, 1959.  We followed each other through the years, John being in the Navy and Jimmy being first in New York City, then to Cape Cod.  We cherish our memories and grand times together.  Jimmy, an artist, has adorned our home with a myriad of his drawings and prints through the years.  His visits to be with us for a few days always brought joy and delight to us, the parents and to the children, ours!!
When Jimmy came for the services at John's death, our family rallied to give Jimmy that special joy and embrace as the UNCLE!!   Each time we ventured to Cape Cod our "base" was at Jimmy's place.  He brought wisdom in his conversation and humor to delight each of us!!   Yes, we are sad he can no longer come to visit, but we are so thankful that our times together were so grand....even going to the coast of North Carolina to see where their Dad grew up.  And the stories each man could tell would reveal a genuine joy to be together.  Yes, I miss Jimmy just realizing the memories with have to suffice.     Elizabeth F. Owens, John's wife.  John died in 2001.  And now, Jimmy in 2018.

OBITUARY

James Edward Owens

April 13, 1928 – August 2, 2018

Nickerson Funeral Home

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