James Edmond Owen

James E. “Jim” Owen of Hurst, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, July 24, 2023. Jim was born and raised on the north side of Ft. Worth and grew up as a member of Rosen Heights Baptist Church. From 1950-1954 he attended and then graduated from Fort Worth Tech High School, where he developed a passion for aviation through his vocational classes. He attended Texas A&M University and was a proud member of the Corps of Cadets Class of 1958. He graduated in 1959 with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. That same year, he married the love of his life, Geraldine Sears, at Rosen Heights Baptist Church.
In 1960, Jim entered pilot training with the Air Force, where he spent five and a half years as a bomber pilot in the Strategic Air Command. In 1965, Jim left the Air Force and became a pilot for American Airlines. He retired in 1996 after 31 years of dedicated service.
Jim had many hobbies, talents, and interests. He was an avid snow and water skier, and loved sailing, swimming, and photography. He enjoyed traveling and with his wife Gerry, family, and friends, visiting locations all over the world. Jim was also a tried-and-true Aggie, loved watching his team play and always claimed the Ags never lost, they just ran out of time.
Anyone who met Jim knew immediately that his greatest love was for the Lord. For many years, he volunteered in the youth ministry, taught Sunday School, and sang in the church choir at Shady Oaks Baptist Church in Hurst, TX. He was a kind and generous man who always had a story to tell or words of wisdom to share. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know him.
He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Joe Howard and Nora (Dunn) Owen, and his three brothers, Joe Howard Owen Jr., Robert Gene Owen, and William Earl Owen.
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Geraldine Sears Owen, his children: Julie and husband Thomas Gilliland, Jim and wife April Owen, and Jennifer and husband Steve Basso; grandchildren: Meagan Clay (Jacob), Molly Gilliland, Luke Owen, Daniel Owen, Bryce Basso (Gabrielle Hurley), and Mikala Basso; great-grandson, Camden Clay. Jim also had numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews whom he loved dearly, as well as many neighbors and friends who were like family to him.
The family would like to thank the amazing staff and nurses of Legend of Mansfield Assisted Living Community, Alēv Hospice Care, and the private nurses who have provided amazing care for both of our parents.
Visitation will be held Monday, July 31, 2023, from 6-8 pm at Lucas Funeral Home in Hurst, TX. The funeral will be held at Shady Oaks Baptist Church in Hurst, TX, on Tuesday, August 1, at 10 am with burial to follow at 2 pm at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville, TX.