James C. Owens, 99, passed away Oct. 4, 2026. Jim was born Feb. 13, 1927, in Jefferson City, Mo., to Claude P. and Edith E. Owens.

He attended most of his school years in Springfield, Mo., but graduated from Jefferson City High school in 1944. He was athletic, playing football, basketball and baseball in high school and one season of football at the University of Missouri, Columbia.

Like many men of his era, his college education was interrupted to serve his country. He entered the Navy Feb. 1, 1945, after passing the rigorous "Eddy Aptitude Test," which focused on math and physics. He then entered an elite training program to become a radar and radio technician. He returned to the university in the fall of 1945 and went on to earn a bachelor’s of science degree in electrical engineering and second degree in in business administration. His university honors included Tau Bet Pi (engineering), Pi Mu Epsilon (mathematics) and Etta Kappa Nu (electrical). He was a lifetime member of the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers and Sigma Nu fraternity.

Jim spent his career with IBM in various marketing and management capacities during a period of high transformation and growth for the company. He started his career in Kansas City in 1950 and was transferred to Springfield in 1968 to open and lead the Springfield office. He always felt it was a privilege to work for a corporation that set such high standards for performance, professionalism and integrity. His more than 30 years with IBM enabled him work with some of the finest organizations in the business world.

Jim was active in the Springfield community, serving on boards of the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Community Planning Council, Hickory Hills Country Club, Southern Hills Homeowners Association, and MU Engineering Advisory. He also served as campaign chairman for the Springfield-Green County United Way; on Christ Episcopal Church’s vestry, including as senior warden; and as a member of the University of Missouri’s Jefferson Club.

While grateful for his university education, Jim always said the best part of college was meeting a girl named Margaret (“Peggy”) Tomlin. They were married in Columbia, Missouri, in June 1951 and loved each other for 65 years. They put family first, loved to play tennis and cards together and enjoyed traveling to new places. They especially enjoyed spending their winters in Palm Springs, California, where they played golf and tennis and made cherished friends.

Peggy preceded Jim in death in 2016, and life without her was just not the same. They had three children: Stephen J. Owens (Cindy), Margaret (Meg) O. Townsend (Mark); and Robert T. Owens (Brenda). Sadly, Robert preceded him in death in February.

Jim was blessed to have seven grandchildren: Matthew Owens, Michael Owens and David Owens; Joe Townsend and Maggie (Townsend) Parker; and Abby (Law) Smyers and Samuel Owens. Jim also is survived by his beloved nephews Jeff, Randy and Lindsay Anglen and six great grandchildren. Other family members preceding Jim in death are his parents and his sister Mary Alice Anglen and brother-in-law George.

Jim will be remembered for his sense of humor, keen mind and desire to inject creativity and fun into everyday life. He was quite the storyteller. His children and grandchildren are grateful to have had him in their lives for so long, offering support, advice and laughter.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Christ Episcopal Church, the Springfield Boys and Girls Club or the James Owens Fund for Excellence in Engineering at the University of Missouri. (You can use link to donate online at MU or make checks payable to University of Missouri and write in memo line “James C. Owens Fund for Excellence in Engineering, in Memory of Jim Owens.” Send to University of Missouri Advancement, 407 Reynolds Alumni Center, Columbia, MO 65211)

A private family inurnment will take place at Christ Episcopal Church’s columbarium. A public date for honoring Jim’s life is yet to be determined.