James A. Gowan

James A. Gowan, 76, of Barton, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008 following a period of declining health. Born on Feb. 14, 1932 in Waverly, NY, Jim was the son of the late Arthur and Alberta (Williams) Gowan. He was predeceased by his wife, Caroline (Reynolds) Gowan and his wife, Lillian Ann (Raynor) Gowan. His brother Donald Eugene Gowan and nephew Donald (Donnie) Gowan also predeceased him. Jim was a former employee of Ingersoll Rand and retired from IBM, Owego following 38 years of service. He enjoyed playing soft ball, horseshoes and cards, was an avid Giant fan and liked any baseball team with the exception of the NY Yankees. He was a social member of the Nichols American Legion and a former Mason. Jim is survived by his wife, Lois (VanSice) Hunt Gowan, at home, his children, Susan (Michael) Smithson, Sharon (Bob) Pratt and Christopher (grandson), Jamie (Kari) Gowan, II, Gayle (Eric) Tilman, Laurie (Matt) Jonasse, Gerald Gowan, Jeff (Corinna) Gowan, Peter Gowan and his fiancee Shawn Arnold; a sister Beatrice ‘Petey' (Duane) Horton, brothers, Gerald Gowan, Richard Gowan, Robert Gowan, Jack (Lois) Gowan, and sister-in-law, Paulette Gowan; Stepchildren, Dee (Randy) Bennett, Melissa Brown, Garrett (Pam) Miller, III, Terry (Melanie) Miller, Kenneth Hunt and Nanci Baird, Kevin (Saralene) Hunt, Kim Hill and Howard Young, Kathy (Brad) Moore, Karl (Caroline) Hunt, Kelley Hunt and Bob Heumann . Also surviving are several grandchildren and great grandchildren, step grandchildren and step great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be missed by his faithful canine companions Benji and Bailey also. A memorial service and celebration of Jim's life will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008 at the Sutfin Funeral Chapel, 273 So. Main St., Nichols, NY. Rev. James Donahoo will officiate. The family will receive their friends at the Sutfin Funeral Chapel from 12 noon until the time of the service at 2 PM. Expressions of sympathy may be directed to Lourdes Hospice, 4102 Old Vestal Rd., Vestal, NY 13850, Tioga Center Emergency Squad, PO Box 185, Tioga Center, NY 13845, or Nichols American Legion Building Fund in loving memory of James A. Gowan.