LEAF RIVER – James J. Cowan, age 71, passed away on Monday, Dec. 7, 2020 in Swedish American Hospital, Rockford. Jim was born on Feb. 18, 1949 in Rockford, the son of Richard and Marge (Barker) Cowan.
Jim graduated from Leaf River High School class of 1967, where he participated in football and basketball. Jim married Gwen Bible on June 25, 1971 in Leaf River, and they were married for 50 years.
Jim worked for various trucking companies, including Yellow Freight in Rockford. He was a Cubs fan and was really happy they won the world series, he was also a Chicago Bears fan and he loved to watch them from his rocking chair, Jim enjoyed his fishing trips to Canada with his friends, and he enjoyed the challenge of Sudoku from the newspaper.
Jim was a very kind person. He loved all the children and there was not anything he wouldn’t do for his kids. He enjoyed watching them grow and going to their sporting events.
Jim is survived by his wife: Gwen Cowan: Leaf River; son: Jack Potts; 2 daughters: Angela Potts and Rolena Potts; grandchildren: Leah, Brandon, Melissa, Cheri, Nathan, Shane, Dalton and Connor; and great grandchildren; brother: Tom Cowan; 2 sisters: Sue Cowan and Debra (Roger) Branscomb; several nieces and nephews.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents; sister: Pat; nephew: Sam.
Graveside services were held on Friday, Dec. 11, 2020 at 11 a.m. in Lightsville Cemetery, Leaf River.
Memorials to be determined.
