Jim Owen

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

James S. Owen, age 85, of Joplin, Mo. passed away at 10:45 p.m. Saturday, January 25, 2025 following three years of failing health. Jim was born May 24, 1939 in Joplin, the son of James B. and Doris Sherwood Owen. 

He was a 1957 graduate of Joplin High School and attended the former Joplin Junior College. He graduated in 1964 from the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science in Dallas, Texas, returning to Joplin to begin a 40-year career in Funeral Service. He began his career at Parker Mortuary, then spent 22 years with Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary and finished his career at Mason-Woodard mortuary, retiring in 2004.

Jim was a member of Christ’s Community Methodist Church, and a former member of the Missouri National Guard, and a former member of Joplin Lodge #335 A.F & A.M, Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Joplin, and the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Temple, Springfield, Mo. Jim was involved in Boy Scouts for over 30 years, beginning with a Scout Troop in Spring City, Mo. and later became a Scout Master , along with Phillip Van Winkle, with Blendville Christian Church Scout Troop 156 in Joplin. He received the Order of the Arrow, Wood Badge, Silver Beaver, and Golden Sun awards for his work in Scouting. He attended the World Boy Scout Jamboree in Calgary, Canada, and twice attended the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimmaron, New Mexico. Jim also loved singing and was involved with a Barbershop Quartet, and Barbershop Chorus.

Jim married Sharon Riddle June 4, 1961 in Joplin and she survives. Additional Survivors include two sons, Jeff Owen, and wife Kim, Joplin, and James M. Owen and wife Roxanne, Stella, Mo., one brother, Michael Owen, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, three granddaughters, and nine great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Christ’s Community Methodist Church, 2700 E. 44th.St. Joplin, Mo. at 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 10th.with Rev. Chris Sloan, officiating. Visitation will follow the service at the Church.

Memorial Contributions are requested to the Joplin Humane Society in care of the Mortuary. Services have been entrusted to the Mason-Woodard Mortuary of Joplin, Mo.