James Anthony Owen

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University of Arizona

James Owen Obituary

James Anthony Owen (Tony) 1/20/51 - 6/22/07 Crossed over in his sleep June 22. Tony was a multi talented older soul that skated through life with no problems or obstacles enjoying every day, and slid right out of this life the same way. Tony was a Catalina High graduate and spent 15 years at the University of Arizona as a Lab Tech. in the department of surgery. Many of his research findings are published. He won the Arizona State Lottery and semi retired and started his own company, Polestar Production to pursue his many talents. Tony was in the Civil Air Patrol, a division of the U.S. Air Force for many years. He was awarded the National Communicator of the year in Washington, D.C. in 1994. He was an electronics wizard and climbed numerous towers on mountain tops in Arizona to repair equipment and was involved in search and rescue missions as well as training cadets. Being a life long musician and song writer his second CD was released this past January and is now on numerous internet download music sites including the WalMart music download site. Tony was a tennis player and ice skater and received his certificate to teach beginning young people to skate - in Phoenix, and spent several years as President of the figure skating club at Iceoplex which later became Polar Ice. He participated in skating programs arranging music, announcing and doing video. He was also very active in Ham Radio Communications and disaster prepardness, having set up a command post for communications in California after one of their earthquakes. Tony was a professional photographer and utilized that talent on one of the highlights of his life. A 22 day pacific ocean cruise on the sail boat, White Eagle, sailing from Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii to Santa Cruz, California. Tony had many friend that loved and respected him. He leaves a mother, Maureen Owen Smothers; brother, Dominic O. Owen; stepmother, Peggy Owen Purcell of Sacramento, California and life long friends, Violet Heard, who he affectionately called, Visky, Edward Wagner and Ronald Quinn. Those who crossed over before him were his father, James H. Owen; sister, Jeri Maureen Smothers and grandparents, W.T. and Frances Rowell. There was no service here as there was a big celebration in the other dimension when he arrived Home. We will all miss him until we are reunited at Home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Arizona Daily Star on Jul. 29, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for James Owen

8 Entries

Craig Lang

January 1, 2008

New Years Eve 2007 - 2008
11:59PM PST

Tony Owen was my best friend. We first met back in the mid 60’s and throughout the years shared many incredible adventures together. I just learned of his passing this last week and can’t think of a more appropriate time than New Years Eve to post this note. Even though we had not spoken in years, there has not been a December 31st since that I have not sat down, listened to some of the amazing recordings we made together as our way of ringing in each New Year, and raised a glass in celebration of our friendship. It’s strange, we were as close as brothers and then one day we reached a crossroads in life and took separate paths.

Dr. Owen, as I used to call him, was truly inspirational – some of the things he would come up with! He was witty way beyond his years. What stands out most for me, other than his contagious laughter, was his singing, song writing and musicianship. It was definitely a gift from God. Working together in the studio is something I will treasure for the rest of my life. How was I so lucky? He, more than any other, is directly responsible for, not only my musical career, but my professional writing and photography as well. He mentored me to be better and, in some small way, I hope I was able to do the same for him.

I had always hoped our paths would cross again one day, but that will not be the case now in this physical plain. And so, to my life-long friend, on this New Year’s Eve 2007 – 2008, all I can say is it was great knowing you, I can’t believe you are gone and, above all else, we sure had some great times together. Thanks for the music Doctor Owen – thanks for everything.

Maureen and Nick (Ron too), please accept my most sincere condolences and a long over-due “thank you” for your hospitality and generosity during my visits to Tucson. If you are ever traveling in the Pacific Northwest, please look me up – it would be great to see you again. You are always welcome in our home.

Craig and Pam Lang

Tomy Ivan KF7GC

August 4, 2007

Our Sincere condolences to Jim's Family from ATEN.
Jim, WW7J, we on the Arizona Traffic and Emergency Net, will very much miss your participation, your interest in handling radiogram messages, your outstanding Radio Operator Abilities, and your congenial spirit. Until we meet again, 73, OM!

Gordon Zaft

July 30, 2007

Jim was very kind and patient with me, a newbie adult skater. He was the only one I'd let touch my skates.

Whenever I went to pick up my skates, he always had a (horribly bad) joke to share. Like Keila said, he'd always have me feel the edge and warn me -- sharp! Be careful! He had lots of little tips for me. When I broke my wrist and was off the ice for a couple of months he was kind and supportive, encouraging me to return to the ice as soon as I could and not let it throw me (words I needed to hear).

To his family and friends, my deepest sympathy. I will miss him too.

Rest in peace, Jim. Thank you.

Marcia and Tom Scupin

July 30, 2007

Maureen and Nick,
We again express our sorrow for your deep loss. We think of you often in your first difficult days of grief.

Yesterday I played Tony's first CD that you graciously shared. We enjoyed the soft enchanting expressions from his heart. I thought of him and I thought of you; I also thought of the deep, mystical connection between mother and child.

Please take good care of yourselves and each other. Remember, you are never alone.

Bethany Strauch

July 30, 2007

Jim,
For the many times I drove my sister (Keila) to your house to pick up music cuts or sharpened blades. Many your spirit be lifted up on eagle's wings. May you now find peace.

Keila Strauch

July 29, 2007

My condolences and prayers go out to Jim's family. As a former member of the Tucson Figure Skating Club I first met Jim (as everyone at the rink called him) when I was 10 years old. He was a funny guy with a kind-hearted spirit. His love for skating was always evident. I feel honored to have skated and competed to many music selections that Jim edited. I remember spending time in his studio editing music for my skating programs, he always made sure I loved the final cut of the music. Professional in his work, yet also a friend to his clients. I owe much of my skating success to his terrific skate sharpening. Each time I would get my skates sharpened he would remind me to "be careful, go easy the first time on the ice, these blades are sharp". I don't think I'll ever forget that advice! He put perfection into all the work he did. I remember him sitting in the stands cheering for me as I competed in Fiesta Skate years ago. I will truly miss him. He was not only a skate sharpener and music editor to me, but a friend and blessing in my life. He always gave 110% to his work, and always had a new joke to pass around. His humor, his honesty, his passion for skating, his great skate sharpening skills, and his friendship will be missed greatly.

I miss you Jim.

KeilaBunny (an affectionate nickname he gave to me a few years ago)

Don Ernle (KD7UIZ)

July 29, 2007

Jim,

We in the Amateur Radio community of Arizona sure miss your friendship and help. You will not be forgotten.

Dennis Nendza

July 29, 2007

Through ham radio I got to know Jim, WW7J, beginning in 2006. We chatted frequently and talked about common interests beyond radio. He encouraged Marion and I to visit the butterfly exhibit and we met there for the first time and had lunch following the photography session. Jim was one of those fellows you wanted to get to know after talking with him on the radio. He is missed by many others who shared the ham radio hobby and we are deeply saddened that he will not grace the airwaves with his bright voice and friendly manner.

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