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John Owen Obituary
John Elliot Owen, 85, of St. Joseph passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Jan. 22, 2025. He is reunited with his beloved Jeannie. They are together, dancing and laughing in heaven!
John was born Oct. 4, 1939, in Bay City, Mich., to Dale and Jean (Sydney) Owen. On April 4, 1981, he married the love of his life, his wife, also named Jean, in Bay City. John graduated from George Williams College in Chicago. He taught English and humanities at All Saints High School in Bay City. He and his wife Jean owned a photography studio in Bay City, and then another studio when they moved to Portage, Mich. John lived a life of service to others.
He taught swimming at YMCA camps and was active in all his churches as a Eucharistic minister, most recently at St. Augustine Episcopal. He was a member of the Professional Photographers of Michigan. He and his wife co-founded the Great Lakes Institute of Professional Photography. John was a world traveler and had a great sense of humor. He earned numerous awards as a professional photographer and he was a lifelong animal lover. He was a fabulous dancer, scuba diver, swimmer, and sailboat owner and captain.
John is survived by his children: Lisa (Steve) Burgoyne, Michael (Myra) Campsmith, Pam (Richard) Scarbrough and Barbara (Kenny) Campsmith. He is preceded in death by his wife, Jean; his brother, David and his parents.
A celebration of his life will be held later this year.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 269-556-9450.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Owen
Mark Owen
February 6, 2025
Uncle John with his brother David Owen.
It's so nice to read all the wonderful comments about my uncle. He was indeed a very nice man. He will be missed. Wish we could have seen each other more often. Mark D. Owen
Peggy Lee Zink
January 30, 2025
Sorry to see this. I had Mr. Owen for many English classes. I purposely took as many as I could to have him as a teacher. He also did my graduation photos.
Dance on, John.
Jim Gates
January 30, 2025
He was in my Scout Troop in the 1950's.
Jon W. Merkle
January 29, 2025
John and I were camp mates at the YMCA camp back in the late 40's and early 50's whenever we met, before he moved to Portage, we always talked of good times at camp Iroquois.
Claudia Yetzke
January 27, 2025
As a fellow Elk member, I have fond memories of John and Jean coming to Friday night dinners, always sharing stories, jokes and laughter. I was intrigued by John´s stories and photos of the Grand Hotel in Mackinac that his family founded. More than anything, I will never forget the love and kindness John showed Jean and the obvious love they shared. Rest in peace John, and I am so happy that you and Jean are dancing again.
Stephanie (Valigura) Ellsworth-All Saints class of 1979
January 26, 2025
I had Mr. Owen for an English class at All Saints in 1978 I believe. What an incredible sense of humor he had! And because of his labor of love and incredible photography gift, our yearbooks were absolutely amazing. I never saw him again after graduation in 1979, but I was very blessed that our paths crossed on this side of glory.
Ted Reinke
January 26, 2025
On behalf of The Reinke Family; RIP John. John & Marvin Reinke were best friends in there school days and at YMCA activities.
Paula A Hanson (Henderson)
January 25, 2025
My sympathy for John's family. Mr. Owen did the photos at our wedding Jan. 1976, great photos!
Terrence P. Kelly
January 25, 2025
SAD!
Duane Gwizdala
January 24, 2025
John was my instructor at Bay City All Saints and taught me everything about photography. After graduation with a doctorate in Pharmacy he became a life long friend
Judith A Williams
January 24, 2025
John was a childhood friend of my husband Denns...there parents w ere friends also Gert and Tom Williams ....they have all passed and i am left with fond memories...
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
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Funeral services provided by:
Starks & Menchinger Chapel - Saint Joseph2650 Niles Rd, Saint Joseph, MI 49085
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