Mr. James Rolland Owen, known as Jim to his friends, Papaw to his family, age 93 of Walling, passed away at 2:35am Saturday, March 14, 2026 at St. Thomas Highlands Hospital in Sparta.

Jim was born March 25, 1932 in Springfield, Missouri to the late Lewis Baker and Esther Campbell Owen. Near the conclusion of World War II, his family moved to Vallejo, California when he was 12 years old. He worked a few jobs to support his growing family of girls before ultimately retiring as a Ship Scheduler for Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo. In 1993, he moved to White County to enjoy retirement on his farm. While he enjoyed his time on his tractor, Jim also enjoyed assisting in sewing upholstery projects and woodworking. He was an active member of West Sparta Church of Christ.

In addition to his parents, Jim is also preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Janice Prince Owen who died September 14, 2016; grandson Aaron Ray Shafer; son in law Doug Cook; siblings Charles Oscar Owen, Norma Jean Dotson, Margaret Cunningham, Ralph Owen and Roy Lester Owen.

Surviving family members include his four daughters Janet and Tom Etheridge, Jeannie and Ray Shafer, Joy Cook, Julie and John Harrington

Grandchildren: Adam Shafer, Kendra Maddux, Krista Lane, Kacy Smith, Kaleb Etheridge, Jenna Reese, Joelle Poissant, Joriel Shepherd and Janae Lawrence

Twenty nine great grandchildren

One great great grandson

The Owen family has entrusted Hunter Funeral Home with Jim's cremation and a memorial service will be conducted 4:30pm on March 27, 2026 at West Sparta Church of Christ. The family will receive friends after 1:30pm on the 27th at West Sparta Church of Christ. Derrick Coble will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to West Sparta Church of Christ,  100 Hampton Drive, Sparta, TN 38583, for India Mission Work or Fortify Your Faith