James Michael Owens, PhD

One of many ways Jim shared his loving, giving energy with the community. Such a gifted and generous man...

Somewhere under the rainbow and in the light of a full moon-I remember you Jimo Happy Birthday

Jim was a bold and revolutionary man! The more I learn about his life's journey the more I define what I means to be a "man" to be "successful"... I was going to visit my uncle Jim in June of 2020. He passed two weeks before my plane was b booked to depart to see him.. It was the first time in a decade I would have seen him. The many times I enjoyed life alongside my uncle Jim in my younger years he was kind, witty, and uplifting to be around. He once let me know that I was a "Ham". This was his way of saying he found me to be amusing and entertaining. I appreciated whenever he would call me a "Ham" there after that first time he dubbed me such. I arrived to his home in Colorado with my mom, his sister Judy, and we both were without him there in May of 2020. His life's philosophy was all around me though... Mt. Blanca far in the distance was a beckon of magnificence in my view at his San Acacio home. Every time I looked at it I thought about Jim looking at it with great reverence. I imagined every time he would dream really big about something he would have a determined brow as he gazed at Mt. Blanca. Jim dared to live unconventionally - he's a real pioneer man I tell ya. His house was an old elementary school made of adobe in this deserted town 45 minutes from the nearest grocery store. His wardrobe consisted of 2 sweaters, 5 shirts, 3 pants, and 5 pairs of white tube socks. Jim had friends coming and going from his house at all hours - the brilliant thing about his friends, they were all feathered or furry. Cats, dogs, birds, and bees were all around Jim out there in his home. And never before in my life had I seen such stars.... Jim I'm sure contacted aliens out there in the dark of that desert sky. The night sky had more stars in view than 1,000,000 humans could count even if each of them were given a 1,000,000,000 lifetimes to do so. AHHHHH!!!! AMAZING!!!!!

Jim may not have been rich in the way the world measures wealth, and he certainly wasn´t a celebrity. But in his quiet, bold, and revolutionary way, he was rich in experiences, love, and connections. He was famous to every stray he took in, every friend he made, and every star that twinkled back at his eyes as he watched them dance across the sky.

I wish he´d stayed with us longer, so I could´ve learned even more from him, but that wasn´t for me to decide. What I do know is that his way of life continues to inspire me. I now have less than 200 possessions, take care of cats and dogs professionally, and am looking for a place that allows me to go to sleep under the stars every night. Uncle Jim showed me that true success is living authentically and daring to do things differently. And I´ll carry that life force with me, always.

Forever I am inspired by my uncle Jim. He dared to live differently than most. That to me is his most greatest, courageous, loving gift to this earth.

I’m so saddened to learn that Jimmy has passed. It was my privilege to know him during our time together at St. Bonaventure. He had an infectious personality and so many talents.

Attaching a couple of photos from then.

God bless you and keep you.

(I'm reaching out to Jim's sister, Judy.)

Hi Judy--
If possible, please contact me by email. [email protected]. Jim's passing haunts me, and I would love to connect with you.
Thank you,
Noreen Shiroma-Crawley

I met Jim when he answered my newspaper ad looking for an art studio. Immediately, I knew Jim was an amazing person; unique and original. Jim became my mentor, healer, life coach and friend. The world is better because Jim was in it.

"Nobody sees a flower, really.
Because to see a flower takes time, like to have a friend takes." Georgia O´Keefe. This was Jim´s legacy to me.Happy Birthday fellow scorpio. Mary

It is with a great sadness I heard of Jim´s passing. We were best friends through four years of high school. We hung out almost everyday after school. Jim was always there for me, especially after the passing of my father at age 15. We both took our separate paths in college but I will never forget his most generous and unique friendship. It was an honor to have you in my life, Jim.

The "Big O" (he wasn't that big physically, but the personality-based nickname stuck) was one of the first classmates I met in late August or early September 1971 when we both started as freshmen assigned to the back wing of Robinson Hall at St. Bonaventure University. I am sad to read of his passing, but am hopeful that he maintained his spirit of good will and adventure (goofs) that he showed as a 18 or so year-old. Reading his obit, it sounds like he did. In fact in reading his very significant accomplishments, it seems that he carried on with an expanded youth while focussed on helping others while keeping that (impish?) smile on his face. I lost touch with him over the years, but still feel like I knew him and will miss the opportunity to reconnect.

I'm heartbroken. Today, I thought of Jim--my last contact possibly 12 years ago. A quick online query brought news I wasn't expecting. Seeing the perfect photo of Jim and reading such lovely crafted words brought me some comfort. It was a spot on description of his being, his gifts, his worldly yet spiritual connections. I'm grateful for the twinkle in time Jim and I shared. My brother, my friend--the universe tugged at my heart today to check-in with you. I have and will miss you. Continue in joy, in playing your cello and sharing your gifts. Bask in love and peace.

From a 2007 letter from Jim:
"I have always had an interest in things psychic, mystical, metaphysical, as well as the more mundane psychological and therapeutic. I took the Catholic dogma to heart since high school, and lived and worked in rough neighborhoods with some kind of naive sense of diplomatic immunity there. I was able to actualize and beautify my immediate environment, which I noticed attracted others with a similar interest...
I know there will be a later and tomorrow, but the work today is to see where the next step is and continue the faith journey.
What a wuzzle, eh?"

I miss you, Jim.