JAMES G. OWENS Age 87, of Canton, OH, passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 26, 2022. Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, March 2, 1934, son of the late Reuben and Dorothy (McKay) Owens. James (Jim) graduated from Lincoln High School in 1951 and earned his Bachelor of Science Electrical Engineering at the University of Nebraska in 1957. His working career began in 1945 with a newspaper route, moving on to Tiny's Electric during his high school and college years. Jim's post-graduate training began with Square D Electric Company with whom he was employed as a field sales representative. He accepted a similar position from Westinghouse Electric in 1963, departing in 1966 to co-found Controlled Power Corporation which eventually grew to employ over 400 persons in Stark County. Rather than retire at age 65, Mr. Owens purchased Kirk Key Interlock Company and relocated it to Massillon where he oversaw quick growth and prosperity before actually retiring in 2011. An avid sports fan (particularly University of Nebraska football and all things wrestling), Jim supported the programs and also helped found Riggs Elite Wrestling Club of Massillon. As a golfer, he played courses all over the world and scored 4 holes-in-one after age 60. Jim co-founded the Andrew's Angels program which has distributed hundreds of iPads to autistic children as tools for communication and cognitive skills. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Paula (Karcher) Owens, with whom he traveled the world; son Gordon (Laura), daughter Lisa Schneider, daughter Laura Life (Scott); grandchildren Holly Owens (Aaron Tully), Sophia Life, Thomas James Life, Justice James Schneider, Logan Fisher, Lindsey Smith (J.P.) and Nicole Latham (Brian). A sister, Beverly (Owens) Allen, also survives. Preceded in death by sister Phyllis (Owens) Horch and brothers, Bruce and Spencer Owens. Jim was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ where he was generous not only through donations but with his time and experience by serving on the board. Services will be held Saturday, February 5, 2022, at 12:00pm in Trinity United Church of Christ, 3909 Blackburn Rd NW, Canton, with Pastor Andrew Taylor-Peck officiating. Interment in Sunset Hills Memory Garden. The family will receive friends prior to the services from 10:30am-12:00pm in Trinity UCC. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jim's memory may be made to the Stark Community Foundation (starkcf.org) where Jim's legacy of philanthropy will continue to make an impact through the Owens and Life Charitable Fund. Condolences may be left for the family at: www.gordonfuneralhomes.com.

Gordon (330) 456-4766