Brigadier General (Ret.) James R. Owen, of Bay Minette, Alabama was born March 11, 1922, and died peacefully at home on June 17, 2012.
Gen. Owen was born and raised in Bay Minette where he practiced law for over 50 years. He entered the University of Alabama in 1941 where he was a member of Pi Kappa Phi social fraternity. He left the University in 1943 to join the United States Marine Corps and fought on Iwo Jima where he earned the Silver Star for Valor and Bronze Star among other awards. He returned to the University following World War II, entered law school and received his LLD in 1950. Meanwhile he earned a commission as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army while enrolled in ROTC. Upon graduation, he came home to Bay Minette, Alabama where he joined the local National Guard unit and was soon activated for service in Korea where he earned the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Upon discharge he again joined the National Guard and remained active, until he retired as a Brigadier General. He was inducted into the Alabama Military Hall of Honor in 2010. Jimmy Owen had a distinguished career as an attorney, having a gift for relating to and understanding juries. He was rated an “AV” lawyer by his peers, the highest rating possible. He served as president of the Baldwin County Bar Association in 1957-58. A lifetime supporter of the Crimson Tide of Alabama, Jimmy Owen served as Regional Vice President of the University’s National Alumni Association during the 1960s. More recently, he was honored during a pre-game ceremony before the Arkansas home football game in Tuscaloosa in 2009 by his alma mater for his outstanding service to his University and country. When Coach Saban called the General to discuss his service to the nation, all Coach Saban wanted to talk about was what it was like to have fought at Iwo Jima and in Korea, and all Jimmy Owen wanted to talk about was Alabama football. It seemed that both were disinterested in discussing the subjects of which they were masters. Jimmy Owen lived life full on, on his own terms. He worked hard when it was time to work, and in turn, greatly enjoyed himself, his family, and many friends when it was time to play. The stories of Jimmy Owen as a soldier, lawyer, fisherman, husband, father or otherwise were legion. Most were true. Of the bulk that were true, he lived every last one of them, an incredible feat, if one were aware of the stories. Fly-fishing on the local lakes and rivers was one of his greatest pleasures and he was considered to be an accomplished master fisherman.
Gen. Owen was preceded in death by his grandson James R. Owen, III. He is survived by his wife of 64 years Jo Margaret Moore Owen, one daughter Peggy Owen Ryan (John), three sons James R. Owen, Jr. (Shelley), Albert Owen (Terry) and Lee Owen, one sister Nell Owen Davis, six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Honorary pallbearers will be survivors of the local Alabama National Guard Korean War Unit. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 22, 2012 at 10:00 AM until the 12:00 Noon Memorial Service at First Baptist Church in Bay Minette. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Michael J. Fox Foundation, Grand Central Station, P.O.4777, New York, New York 10163-4777, Nick’s Kids Fund, Box 870323, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 or Community Hospice, 311 D’Olive Street, Bay Minette, AL 36507. Arrangements are by Norris Funeral Home, 402 E. 2nd St., Bay Minette, AL 36507, 251-937-9596. To post online condolences please visit our website at www.norrisfuneralservice.com.
