MSGT Retired James C. McGowan, devoted husband and proud patriot, died suddenly at his home in Banner County, Nebraska, May 11, 2021.
He was born to George Edward (Ed) & Helen May (Juelfs) McGowan on August 10, 1948 in Sidney, Nebraska. He grew up and attended rural schools in Banner and Kimball Counties through the 4th grade. He completed his secondary education at Dix Public Schools, graduating High School in 1966.
He enlisted in the United States Air Force May 22, 1967. He had a long and decorated career, serving his country stateside and overseas. At the time of his death, a mission he was on in Pakistan in the late 60s is still classified.
Jim met Marsha Jean Huntley when they were both stationed at Otis Air Force Base in Massachusetts and were married in her home church in Ticonderoga, NY on November 22, 1969. To this union were born two children, Angela Coleen and Matthew William Carter McGowan.
He retired from active duty January 1, 1989 from Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma City, OK. Upon retirement, he moved to Banner County, Nebraska where he went to work farming for Darnall Feedlot. Farming was one of Jim’s passions in life. He was forced to give it up after a farm truck accident permanently damaged his left shoulder.
He pursued his bachelor’s degree, studying at Western Nebraska Community College and graduating from Chadron State College with a degree in Accountancy in 1996. He moved to Grand Island, Nebraska to pursue work in accounting, only to return to the panhandle in 2005.
Jim was an avid outdoorsman and gun collector. Fishing for salmon in the Kenai River of Alaska or hunting deer, elk, and moose. He greatly treasured his time teaching his grandchildren to shoot.
He put all that aside, sacrificing his time and health to spend the last 14 years being the primary care giver to his wife, Marsha.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, oldest brother Roger Lee McGowan, Sr. and sisters Jacqueline (Jackie) and Ada McGowan. He is survived by his wife of 51 ½ years; daughter Angela Barnard (Dan) of Meridian, Mississippi, and son Matt (Karen) of Banner County, Nebraska; grandchildren Ivan James & Iris Ansley Barnard and Breana Kate McGowan. Survived by siblings Lenora Van Winkle (Jerry) of Vanderhoof, British Columbia, Canada, Patricia McGowan of Midland, TX, Ward McGowan (Karen) of Kimball, Nebraska, Judy McGowan (Larry Bailey), of Frederick, Colorado, and Richard McGowan (Donna) of Banner County, Nebraska; and sister-in-law Ellen Angell (Bob) of Fairbury, IL. A plethora of niece and nephews and grand-nieces and nephews. Friend MGST Retired John Smyzer Wilson of Omaha, Nebraska.
Visitation will be Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at Dugan-Kramer Funeral Home, 3201 Avenue B, Scottsbluff, Nebraska from 4-7pm. Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 20,2021 at Bible Baptist Church, 2023 Avenue C, Scottsbluff, Nebraska at 11 am. Burial with military honors at Kirk Cemetery, Banner County, Nebraska to follow at 2 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Banner County Volunteer Fire & Rescue, P.O. Box 93, Harrisburg, Nebraska. Online Condolences may be left at www.dugankramer.com.
