In Memory

James R. Owen

James R. Owen

James R. Owen

posted by Joshua Smith.

James R. Owen, Mayor of Redfield Parkway, passed away Thursday, January 19th, while surrounded by friends and family at Crossroads house in Batavia. James was born July 9th, 1943 and is the son of Frank E. Owen & Natalie Walker Owen and brother of Kathy & Robert Owen. James graduated from Batavia High in 1961 where he played 3 sports, cross country, basketball & golf. He was also on the picture staff of the Batavia High School paper.

James graduated from SUNY Morrisville (as he would always refer MIT) followed by RIT and the University of Buffalo. His degrees included Business and Education Majors. James started teaching in 1966 in Sackets Harbor NY where he coached Varsity basketball. After 2 years James was able to take a position in Hamburg High School where he taught for 34 years. James coached cross country, track and JV basketball.

James was a proud member of Stafford Country Club for 60 years. He was once President of the Horseshoe Lake Association and Retired Teachers Association of Genesee County and served on the Board of Directors for The Holland Land Office and Genesee County Mental Health. James was also a proud supporter of Batavia's GO ART. James was also a proud member of the Stafford Historical Society, Godfrey's Pond and was the former town of Stafford historian.

James would like to thank Bert Earl and Michael Marsh for all they've done for him and their efforts to help him stay in his home for as long as possible. He would like to thank his friends for all their support and encouragement in his life. James also would like to thank Batavia School District's staff and students for making his life much brighter! Success of life is having knowledge and the Batavia School system is doing a great job on educating the students K-12.

James also would like to thank Patti Pacino for helping to get the BHS Auditorium named in honor of his father Frank E. Owen. He would also like to thank Elaine Watson, Carol Redband for help with the feeding tube, Crossroads House staff, Johnny's Angels staff, residents of Redfield Parkway "you folks are doing a great job", Batavia City Council and President Eugene Jankowski for naming him Official Mayor of Redfield Parkway, and all the Batavia students and classes that made get well cards. James would also like to thank Sam for his many hours of help with his Facebook news and articles. He would also like to thank Video News Service and Alecia, The Batavian, Howard Owens and JoJo Beck, The Daily News and Brian Quinn for all reporting positive news for Batavia. Thank you as well to Phil Pies and Fran Spiotta for their encouragement and Sandy and Joe Kauffman for their daily phone calls "they kept me going" and thank you to everyone who sent cards and encouragement for their support. Thank you, Pastor Vern Saile, for your visits and friendship.

Special thanks to the Board of Education, Superintendent Jason Smith and Britt Witkop for their calls, visits and support.

James had many students that were very encouraging for him, including the Governor of NY State Kathy Hochul. James wants all people to know they're very important in his eyes and he tried his best to encourage people and students around him.

"When you dream, dream BIG and go for it."

In lieu of flowers please make donations to any of the following, GO ART, Northgate Free Methodist Church, Genesee County Mental Health, or the Batavia Peace Garden.

There are no prior visiting hours. James' service will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 11 am at Northgate Free Methodist Church, 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia. He will be laid to rest privately in Machpelah Cemetery, LeRoy. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the H.E. Turner & Co. Inc. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.



 
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01/23/23 12:45 PM #1    

John Herridge

A life well lived!  So glad that I spent some time with him at the recent Reunion


01/23/23 08:15 PM #2    

Paul Rowcliffe

Jimmy was a close frined and playmate in our youth.  He was Gene Autry and I was Roy Rogers. One of my closest friends  What fond memories.  I never heard Jimmy speak a bad word about anybody.  He loved all. He never lost hope or a sense humor.  They need to rename Redfield Parkway - Owen Parkway


01/24/23 08:38 PM #3    

Harvey Pies

 

Just want to "echo" the words and thoughts of John and Paul---Jim , Paul and I were close friends, growing up and playing together on Redfield Parkway.  The three of us formed a "club" that we called the "3 Horns," having discovered a plaque with three ugly horns on it, that we proudly placed  in a small room in the basement of my home on Redfield Parkway, to symbolize our close friendship. (By the way, I was "Hopalong Cassidy"!).  We would play basketball in Paul's driveway--such wonderful memories. Jim was a very good, kind person and a loyal friend.  He will be missed by all who knew him; and he will be remembered as the great "Mayor of Redfield Parkway."  

 

 

 

 


01/25/23 09:42 AM #4    

Harriet Osborn (Martin)

Jim was kind, thoughtful and energetic!  He will be much missed.


01/25/23 02:02 PM #5    

Francis Michael Spiotta

Jim Owen

Jim has been a friend since junior high. He was a very good person who spoke highly of all. He called me almost daily and would start by saying " just thought I would give you a call , I would reply, why. I am waiting to see if another call will come! May God great Jim peace and Bless him.

Fran Spiotta,


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