Mr Cowan will be remembered by all of those who had him as a teacher at Byron Jr High, as well as those who didn’t have him but yearned to be in his class.  A down to earth and supportive teacher… they don’t make them like him anymore. My prayers and condolences go out to his family, loved ones, and friends. RIP. 

To Jim’s family.

I just learned of his passing and wanted to tell you how sorry that I am for your family.

I knew Jim through our shared work when he was at Ulmer & Burne and one of my clients. He was one of the kindest, most gracious people that I knew. He was fun and smart, enjoyable to be around, and so proud of his children.

He and Jean took me to lunch one afternoon so that they could bless me with presents for the impending birth of my daughter. It has always been a sweet memory and one that meant a lot to me. 

My prayers are for your family during this difficult time. 


I knew "Jimmy" in elementary school in Beachwood.  I had a huge crush on him in 5th or 6th grade, 2 years younger than he.  He always was so kind and modest and I thought extremely handsome.  I extend my sincerest condolences to Jim's family in this very difficult time for you all.  Hold on to the very sweet memories!

We are sad about Jim's passing. He has been a friend for many years. We worked on many a community campaign together and occasionally played a round of golf or two. Jim cared deeply for his beloved City of Hudson and the Hudson City Schools. We shared many an effort for both to be outstanding. Jim had a warm smile and a very welcoming personality. One always felt comfortable when in Jim's company. He will be missed and never forgotten. We loved Jim. May he forever Rest-in-Peace.
Debbie & Bill Currin
Hudson, Ohio


Loi and Ted,
I am sorry that we weren't closer with you and Jim growing up.  I remember my dad being annoyed by the fact that Les always took summer family vacations during the busiest construction season, but hearing about your excursions and family singalongs made me realize what a great childhood you had.  My version of the wilderness was a golf course so  I didn't truly  discover the back country until I was an adult and realized how important it is to be acquainted with it.  I am so glad that Jim and I reconnected when Ted was living in L.A.  
All my love, Bob

I am so sorry to hear about Jim.  I will always cherish the years we worked together at Benesch, Friedlander and the times we spent together outside of work hiking in the Cayuhoga National Park with his dog, Barq, or canoeing with his son, Ted.  He was a special person in my life.

What a wonderful caring person!
Many terrific memories at BHS!
Thoughts and prayers to all!


Always a very thoughtful and very considerate person 

SO SORRY TO READ ABOUT JIM.  WHAT A GREAT GENTLE , 
GENTLEMAN.  OUR FAMILY WERE FRIENDS OF HIS SINCE JIM WAS WITH  BEACHWOOD ATHLETICS. -- WE WERE SO HAPPY
THAT JIM ENJOYED HIS STAY AT OUR HOME IN BIG SKY.  WE 
ALL SHARED THE SAME LOVE FOR THE OUT OF DOORS.--A 
WHILE AGO JIM STOPPED AT THE STORE.  KEN AND I HAD A NICE VISIT WITH HIM. ---THE COWAN FAMILY HAS A SPECIAL
PLACE IN MY HEART.
      MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES.--JESSIE ADLER

Mr Cowan was my English teacher at Byron Jr High school.  He thought that because I was always speaking "out of turn " that I had a creative mind. I did, I did but not it wasn't for English class. He was not only one of the coolest teachers that I had, he was the one that gave me my love for reading ♥️ 

Sorry sorry to hear of the death of Jim. I worked with him at Beachwood Recreation Department for two years in the mid-1970's.  My husband was in training at the Cleveland Clinic and my part time Rec Department friends became my "family".
He had a wonderful sense of humor and I enjoyed the nicknames he would invent for his co-works (mostly me "Kater Potater" referring to my Irish Catholic hertitage!) I also appreciated his love for his dog ARF.
I moved to Westlake in 1981 and we lost track of each other although I thought about him every time I was on Fairmount Blvd.   So sorry for your family. 
Kate Corrigan Myers

We were truly blessed to have had Jim in our backyard for so many years. He was the best example of what a neighbor should be: kind, helpful, patient, caring, and such a happy person.   One day, we hope to be just as bright of a presence in a young family's life.

Thank you for all that you did, Jim. 

Love, 
Chris, Allison, Grace and Charlotte Ferdinand

To: Loe and Gary Goldswasser:

So very sorry for your loss.

- Harvey Goldsmith

  Jim's zest for life was amazing.  I remember him joining the faculty at Woodbury Junior High, and bringing a breath of fresh air to everything.  His open mind and thoughtful observations were much appreciated.  He loved adventures - cross country skiing, backpacking, and even fought his fear of the dark as we shut down all our headlamps when exploring wild caves.   I always enjoyed catching up on life, laughing and talking with him when we crossed paths at the fitness center and around town.  Our condolences to his family, and Jim - we miss you.

I worked with Jim at two law firms.  He was the ultimate professional while having the ability to make you feel like you were a friend as well as an employee.  He bridged the gap between attorneys and staff to bring everyone together. A brilliant mind and a heart of gold - that was our Jimmy!  Definitely one of the good guys - you will forever live in my heart. ❤️

Will truly miss seeing and talking with Jim on his daily walks with his dog Cole.  Jim was always so friendly, gracious and kind.  

I will always remember Jimmy not only on the basketball court but eating an entire pizza at Geraci’s  after a game to gain back the 10 or 15 pounds he lost running back-and-forth and shooting baskets. It’s been a long time since high school but memories are clear and sharp as ever. Condolences to the Cowan family and extended family. 
Sharon 

My sympathies to Jim's family.  I met him in 5th grade.  He always was a kind, friendly person, who got along well with everyone.  Although he was a terrific athlete, he never had the "air of superiority" over those who could not play at his level.  Always willing to include everyone.  He and I were lab partners in 12th grade APA physics, and we teamed up to get an A on our final project.  He called me four years ago when I had some health issues, although we had not spoken in some time.  A little while ago he shared some photos of fellow classmates with whom he had a routine dinner meeting.  RIP.

Jim was one of my favorite teachers. He showed a deep interest in his students and had a love of academia. Outside of school years , we were friends when our lives circled back around. He was a true gentleman and dear person. I know he will be sorely missed, and we’ll remembered. 

We were just 18 years old when Jim and I ventured to the Boundary Waters with Harry Wasserman. We thought we were such great fishermen that we'd feast on daily catches of pike and small mouth bass. In fact, thanks to peanut butter and careful rationing, after a couple of weeks in the wilderness we barely made it back to the canoe outfitter in Ely, MN. And when we got there feeling starved, we chowed down on the best steaks ever. Best adventure ever! I still don't know how we managed to find our way back to Ely or what our parents were thinking when they let us take the car for the trip to Boundary Waters Wilderness. If they only knew! Clearly that bonding experience deepened our lifelong friendship. I believe that Jim went back to Boundary waters with Ted. So I can fully understand the significance that place to Jim.

Love you and miss you my brother,

Ken Friedman

Jim was THE guy at Beachwood High School. He was so many things to so many people. My memories are vivid and filled with the warmth he exuded and the strength of character he always exhibited.
It was a privilege to see him again at our last reunion and then again in Santa Fe several years ago. He was truly a "mensch" in every sense of the word. 
My heart has been aching for the struggle he so graciously endured and I will hold the family close in my heart.
Susan Feil

I taught with Jim at Byron Jr High.  One of the most professional persons I ever worked with. His sense of humor was outstanding. I still laugh to myself over our conversations. I will miss him.

Jim,
You truly were an amazing friend and neighbor!
Unfortunately, we weren't able to sovle all of the worlds' problems with our conversations over the back fence, but we gave it a heck of a try.
We'll miss you!
Phil and Judy

Played many rounds of golf with Jim at Lake Forest Country Club and will remember Jim as a very kind and gentle soul. Jim was a good golfer who enjoyed just being out on the course enjoying his friends and most of all nature and the out of doors. 

So saddened to hear of this.
Always had so much respect for Jim.
My prayers and sincere condolences to friends and family.
🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

OBITUARY

Ira James Cowan

June 21, 1943 – December 4, 2021

Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel

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