James Cowan

James Howard Cowan, 84, of Galesburg, died at 4:52 p.m. Monday, January 9, 2012 at home. Jim was born June 26, 1927 in Galesburg, the son of Howard T. and Marguerite (Calson) Cowan.  He married Doranne Hillier in Galesburg on February 27, 1954.  She preceded him in death on October 17, 2003.  Surviving Jim are his children, a son, James D. Cowan, of Galesburg; three daughters, Carrie Cervantez (Steve) of Galesburg, Penny Hughey (Alan) of Phoenix, AZ, and Jill Phillips (Travis) of Galesburg; 10 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.  He is also survived by a brother Bruce Cowan of Tucson, AZ.  He was also preceded in death by a sister, Shirley Myers. Jim joined the Navy Seabees and served from 1945 to 1946.  He worked as a brakeman/conductor for the railroad, he hired in 1959 with the C.B.&Q, and retired in 1991 from the BN Railroad. Jim also did construction work, a trade he learned as a Navy Seabee. He built his family home and made many home renovations, with his last one at age 80. He was instrumental in the foundation work for LULAC's building site. Other jobs he loved to speak about included, the construction at GHS and Churchill Jr High. Memorial services will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday, January 13, 2012 at Watson Funeral Home.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.  Interment of cremated remains will follow the services at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, Galesburg.  The family wishes memorials to be directed to Beacon of Hope Hospice or Caring Seniors Services.