George and Marie (Gonder) Owens welcomed their 4th child, James (Jimmy) Owens on February 11, 1948 in Livingston, MT. Little did they know what a shining star they brought into this world. Around the age of 6, Jimmy and his family moved to Helena where they lived until their final destination, East Helena, MT. The music bug was definitely a part of the Owens household. At a very young age, Jimmy began teaching himself to play guitar and sing while George was a master of the steel guitar. In time, they had their own band called the Nighthawks. It was common to find the Nighthawks playing all around Helena in the 60's.

It was in the 60's that a man from out of state made his way up north to play baseball. This individual connected with George and Jimmy and soon expressed his interest in learning to play the guitar. The baseball interest faded and soon this man was being taught to play the guitar, in the Owens home. Jimmy spent many hours giving guitar and vocal lessons to this individual. Soon, he joined George and Jimmy and the Nighthawks and played in front of audiences. One of the well-known locations they played was the Silver Spur in Helena. Time went by and this individual moved on to his own music career back in Nashville. This individual went by the name of Charlie Pride.

Along with his love for music, Jimmy adored the Denver Broncos and baseball's St. Louis Cardinals.

Hunting was another top interest. Together, George and Jimmy spent countless hours hunting the Elkhorn's and all over the state of Montana. Both brought home some beautiful game along with one hunting story after another. George was also a master at wood working. Jimmy picked up on some of that and at one point, built his very own guitar.

One of Jimmy's proudest moments was when his son, Travis, was born. The hunting experiences and football excitement continued throughout Travis's younger years. Both father and son were also involved in karate taught in Helena by Dennis Dallis. More wonderful stories were born from that endeavor.

Later in life, Jimmy met a lady by the name of Donna. Neither were interested in beginning a relationship but after 3 ½ years, the two were married and stayed together until Jimmy's passing on November 25, 2022. It's with the deepest sorrow that Donna had to bid farewell to the man she deeply loved, respected and admired for their 24+ years together.

James M. Owens was a man gifted with a talent to play music and sing wonderful 50's, 60's and 70's songs and he did so for most of his working years. Jimmy often said, "I never worked a day in my life because I loved playing music, it wasn't a job to me".

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Donna Owens; son, Travis; stepsons Scott Kobold (Amanda), McKinley (Mick) Sparks-Lowry (Victoria); and stepdaughter, Michelle Kobold; sisters Sherry Griggs of Grand Junction, CO; Nedra Brown (Scott), Helena; and George's wife, Sandy Owens, East Helena. Jim left behind 6 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim, you are deeply loved and missed by so many people. Some of your stories and silly jokes live on in the hearts of friends and family. God blessed all of us with you. Rest well, enjoy your music with your dad, Denny Roe and Rod Taylor. Say hello to your mom and my mom and dad as well. I can see every one of them tapping their toes, singing your songs and dancing without a care or worry.

A memorial service honoring the life of Jimmy Owens will be held in the spring of 2023. An announcement will be circulated well before Jim's service.

"Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. Should I die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take".

RIP in peace James Martin Owens……SHMILY