James Marvin Owen, 89, life long resident of Tampa, passed away November 28, 2017. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jo Bobbett Owen and parents Fred M. Owen and Evelyn Hooker Owen. He attended local schools, graduating from Hillsborough High School in 1946 and was in ROTC. He served in the US Army 1947 - 1948. He graduated from the University of Tampa with a Bachelor's in Business Administration and is retired from CSX Railroad. He is survived by his son, James M. Owen, Jr., daughter-in-law Xin Luo, grandson Braden and granddaughter Aliya of California, daughter Kathleen Smedley, granddaughter Ashley Smedley, and sister, Jean Miller of Tampa. He was a long time member of St. John's UMC and recently attended West Broad Street Baptist Church when he could. He belonged to the Egypt Shrine Temple, Community Lodge # 292, Zendah Grotto Bachelors and Bells. Services will be Friday, December 1 at 2:00 pm at Garden of Memories Chapel, 4207 E. Lake Ave., Tampa with visitation from 1:00 - 2:00 in the Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Meals on Wheels of Tampa or charity of your choice.
