ABSECON, N.J. - Mr. James Edward Cowan, Sr. was born on May 18, 1935 in Red Level, Ala. to Wilbur and Mozelle Cowan.  James went to sleep on July 7, 2017 after a short illness.

James is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mrs. Ruby A. Cowan.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandmother, Martha; his sons, Ronald E. Cowan and James Edward Cowan, Jr.; brothers Rex Cowan and Thomas Cowan; and sister Patsy Cowan.

James was educated in the Red Level school system .  He also served in the U.S. Army and was a paratrooper.  As a young man, James was an avid baseball player and played in several leagues throughout the South.

James married the love of his life, Ruby Ann Hall, on May 13, 1955 in Pensacola, Fla.  The union produced eight children: Ronald E. (Carol) Cowan, both deceased, Donna Ridieau of Louisiana, Cheryl Hardge of Hammonton, N.J., Darryl (Rose) Cowan of Columbus, Ohio, Christopher Cowan of Dayton, Ohio, Annette Cowan (Earl) Godfrey of Bermuda, James E. Cowan, Jr., deceased, and Marsha Cowan Johnson Williams of Houston, Tex.

James is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and by three sisters: Joyce (James) Huff, Ernestine Williams, and Bette Jean Cowan.  Two brothers, Rex and Thomas Cowan, and a sister, Patsy Cowan, precede him in death.

James was a devout Christian and enjoyed singing.  A member of Hoyt Street Church of God in Christ in Warren, Ohio, he was part of a Gospel group called the Jubilee Specials, who made several 45-rpm record recordings, one of his favorites being “Where He Leads Me, Nobody Knows.”

James worked for the City of Warren Sanitation Department, becoming supervisor and retiring after 40 years of service.  He also served under Mayor Daniel Sferra as a City Councilman.  Upon retiring, James and Ruby relocated to Houston, Texas.

Services for James are 12:00 noon Friday, July 14, 2017 at Hoyt Street Church of God in Christ in Warren, with Elder Morgan officiating.  Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Warren.  Friends may call 11:00 am to 12:00 noon Friday at the church.

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