Search by Name

James S. Cowell

1956 - 2017

James S. Cowell obituary, 1956-2017, Lacon, IL

BORN

1956

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Weber-Hurd Funeral Home

1107 North Fourth Street

Chillicothe, Illinois

James Cowell Obituary

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.

Published by Peoria Journal Star from Feb. 14 to Feb. 16, 2017.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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

Memories and Condolences
for James Cowell

Sponsored by Weber-Hurd Funeral Home.

Not sure what to say?





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

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

Make a Donation
in James Cowell's name

Memorial Events
for James Cowell

Feb

16

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Weber-Hurd Funeral Home

1107 North Fourth Street, Chillicothe, IL 61523

Feb

17

Visitation

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Weber-Hurd Funeral Home

1107 North Fourth Street, Chillicothe, IL 61523

Feb

17

Funeral

10:00 a.m.

Weber-Hurd Funeral Home

1107 North Fourth Street, Chillicothe, IL 61523

Funeral services provided by:

Weber-Hurd Funeral Home

1107 North Fourth Street, Chillicothe, IL 61523

How to support James's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Cowell's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more