James Leon Owen (Jim) passed away peacefully May 29,2024, at Baptist Hospice House, Collierville, Tennessee, at the age of 91, cared for by an amazing team of nurses. Jim was born July 31,1932, in Palmayra, Arkansas, to Annie Mae and James E. Owen. He attended Pine Bluff High School (2 years all-state football), and in 1952 he received a Fulbright Scholarship to attend the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland. In 1956 Jim was commissioned as an ensign with a degree in engineering.

During his years at the academy, he was a member of the Varsity Football team (Sugar Bowl 1955), Varsity Lacrosse team, and he sang in the academy choir, touring the U.S. (the choir was featured in the movie THIS IS CINARAMA. He is also pictured in the book THE HISTORY OF AMERICAN FOOTBALL. Jim served on several surface ships and was selected to attend the U.S. Naval Submarine School, New London, Conn., later assigned to teach submarine tactics to recent college graduates,His many tours of service included traveling to places like Santos, Brazil; Mazatlan, Mexico; Mallorca, Spain; and Reykjavik, Greenland. In 1953 he was inducted into the Mysteries of the Ancient Order of the Deep, and in 1957 his ship crossed the 180th meridian, Domain of the Golden Dragon.

After attending graduate school at the U. Of Vermont, he and Ruth moved to Memphis and joined Idlewild Presbyterian Church. Jim acquired several businesses before retiring in 2008 when he and Ruth traveled abroad. Jim's favorite hobby was golf, especially playing with his brother Larry and Dr. Steve Futris. He loved the Memphis Tigers and was a season ticket holder. He also loved vacationing in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Jim leaves his loving wife of 67 years, Ruth, son James L.,Owen, Jr. (Juli), daughter Elizabeth, grandsons Bryce, Calvin, and Jared, brother Larry (Doris), and sister-in-law Ann. His remains will rest in the Urn Garden at the U.S Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland. A military ceremony will take place in the garden.

A Celebration of Life will be held in July.

Memorial gifts can be sent to LeBonheur Children's Hospital.