James Kenneth Cowan

James K. Cowan, age 80, of Salem, Virginia, passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2024. He was born on June 1, 1944, to the late Nathan and Christina Cowan. Jim worked for the Department of Defense for over 35 years. After retirement, he and his wife owned and operated the Summerfield Inn Bed & Breakfast in Abingdon, Virginia, for 20 years. He enjoyed creating stained glass art, photography, and working with computers. Jim was a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 60 years and lived a life dedicated in service to his family, faith, and country. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his siblings, Constance Watson, Christina Schott, Shirley Williams, Nathan Cowan, Jr., and Lynta Huff.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Janice L. Cowan; his sisters, Martha Westman, Florence Norris, and Mary Don; his three children, Carol Rust and husband, Greg, Sherry Harden and husband, Dane, and James Cowan, Jr., and fiancée, Rachel; and his six grandsons, Alex Rust, Sam Rust, Eli Rust, Joshua Harden, James Cowan, III, and Robert Cowan.

A prayer service and memorial to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2024, at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, 305 Roanoke Blvd, Salem, Virginia 24153. Visitors are welcomed at 10 a.m., with the service at 11 a.m. A reception will follow for family and friends beginning at noon in the community room at Richfield Living, 3725 Richfield Lane, Salem, Virginia 24153.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnmoakey.com.