James Lee Owens of Mardela Springs, Md. passed away on Sept. 24, 2023 after a short illness. He was born in Statesville, NC on June 30, 1949 to E.J. Owens of Galestown and Nancy Gibson Owens of Seaford. Jim graduated from Seaford High School in 1967 and continued his education at both Georgetown Del Tech and Wilmington College of Delaware. While attending college, he helped design the banks and entrance to the newly built NASCAR speedway at Dover. Jim was a veteran of the USAF, where he used his college experience as a member of the Civil Engineering department during his six years of duty. After many years of service as a Civil Engineering Consultant at EI DuPont de Nemours, Inc in Wilmington, Jim retired and was then employed by Machining Technologies of Salisbury until September 2023.

Jim had a wide variety of interests and often excelled at anything he tried. His hobbies included golf, bridge, pinochle, bowling, and line dancing. His favorite activities were enjoyed with his brothers and immediate family playing pool, drag racing, and hunting. Jim will be remembered for his welcoming personality (he never met a stranger) and his willingness to help anyone in need. 

Jim was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Miles Thomas Owens. Surviving are his stepmother Dorothy Tuck Owens of Galestown; his wife Kimberly Wootten Owens of Galestown; his stepdaughter Lindsey Nanez of Galestown; and three step-grandchildren: Nathan Milliner, Carter Hales and Trent Hales. He also leaves behind three brothers: Steve Owens of Bear, Gary Owens of Georgetown and Clay Owens of Galestown, and two sisters: Janet Owens Profili of Richmond, VA and Sally Owens Brumfield of Bridgeville. 

Funeral services will take place on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023 at 1 p.m. with a viewing from noon to 1 p.m. at Cranston Funeral Home, 300 N. Shipley Street, Seaford, DE. Interment will be at Galestown Cemetery, Galestown, immediately following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Galestown Church Cemetery Fund, 5541 Galestown – Newhart Mill Road, Seaford, DE 19973

To leave a condolence visit www.cranstonfuneralhome.com.