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1956
2017
James S. Cowell
LACON - Jim Cowell, 60, of Lacon passed away on Sunday, February 12, 2017, after a courageous two-year battle with leukemia, with his family by his side.
Jim was born on December 30, 1956, in Peoria, Illinois, to John "Jack" and Ruth (Buck) Cowell.
Jim worked for Thompson Electronics Company for 23 years and was a member of the IBEW for 33 years, where he taught apprenticeship classes and acted as an exam proctor. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, bowler and mushroom hunter. As a passionate conservationist, he was a member of IRVCG, NWTF, PF and DU. Jim was a true animal lover and leaves behind his beloved beagle, Jack, whose picture kept vigil at his bedside in his final days.
On March 20, 1999, Jim married his best friend, teammate and soulmate, Ruthann (Fischer) Cowell, who, with the utmost grace and devotion, cared for him throughout his fight with cancer. Never ones to settle, Jim and Ruthann waited a long time to find each other and knew how lucky and rare their love was. They will forever be bound.
Jim will be remembered as a kind, gentle, unselfish and fiercely loyal man – one of strong character and few words. He chose his words carefully and punctuated conversations with wit, insight and his special brand of humor. He took particular pride in being an uncle and mentor to his nephew, T.J.
Jim is survived by his wife, Ruthann Cowell of Lacon; his mother, Ruth Cowell of Lacon; his siblings, Margie Deffenbaugh of Lacon, Tim (Harriet) Cowell of Lacon, Amy (Tony) Sloan of Washburn, Kim Cowell Light of Delavan and Tammy Turner of Lacon; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Cowell; and his brother, John Cowell.
The family will receive friends at a visitation on Thursday, February 16, 2017, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Weber-Hurd Funeral Home in Chillicothe. The funeral will held at Weber-Hurd Funeral Home on Friday, February 17, 2017, at 10 a.m., with visitation one hour preceding. After burial, dinner will be held at the Lacon Community Center.
Donations can be made to IRVCG or Illinois CancerCare in Peoria.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Weber-Hurd Funeral Home.
I remember Jim as being a genuinely nice guy! So sorry, Ruthann! Happy we had him in our lives!
Theresa Baker
Other
February 7, 2024
Ruthann We are so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in your memories.
Ray/Carol Luginbuhl
February 20, 2017
Ruthann-so sorry for your loss.
Martha Braker
February 18, 2017
Ruth, Ruthanne, and all family members,
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Jim was a great man, and we always enjoyed being around him. We are in Arizona, so unfortunately, we cannot attend the services. Please know we will be thinking of each and everyone of you. May the Lord bring you warm memories, and comfort you. We send our love and prayers
Sincerely,
Wayne and Rosana Benson
Rosana Benson
February 16, 2017
Although we knew Ruthann well, we didn't spend much time with you. I regret that now. We know you must have been wonderful because she married you. Carl and Cindy Close
Cindy Close
February 16, 2017
I worked with Jim & just saw them at the IBEW dinner this fall. So sorry for your loss. He was a great guy!
Doug Sanders
Doug Sanders
February 15, 2017
It's always so hard when fantastic people in our lives are gone. There is a great hole in our hearts. Love to you, Ruthann.
Gina Newell
February 15, 2017
Ruthann,
I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very tough time.
All our love,
Brian and Meghan Conant
Meghan Grebner-Conant
February 15, 2017
Ruthann,
You are in my heart and prayers. I am so sorry for your incredible loss, Jim was an exceptional man.
All our love,
Miranda McMahan and family
Miranda McMahan
February 15, 2017
many many hours in the duck blinds with this great man, not too many people I have met stood as tall as he, you will be greatly missed my friend. still have some shotgun shells you especially crafted for me, that I smile when asked about them. see you on the other side buddy.
Bernie Kargol
February 14, 2017
You and Jim have always made us feel like family and have made past Christmases so special....you both will always have a place in our hearts.
Hal and Theresa Baker
Theresa Baker
February 14, 2017
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Weber-Hurd Funeral Home1107 North Fourth Street, Chillicothe, IL 61523
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Weber-Hurd Funeral Home1107 North Fourth Street, Chillicothe, IL 61523
Feb
17
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