James Lee ("Jimmy") Owen

James Lee "Jimmy" Owen, 79, passed away on Friday, December 28, 2018 at CaroMont Regional Medical Center. Born on June 21, 1939 in Danville, Virginia, Jimmy was the son of the late Tracy Hill Owen and Elizabeth Parrish Owen. He was a graduate of George Washington High School in Danville. A resident of Mount Holly for 53 years, Jimmy was employed with American & Efird, Inc. as a colorist and was heavily involved in civic life. He was a member of Mount Holly Rescue Squad for 24 years and a member of Mount Holly Fire Department from 1984 to 1992. He was a lifetime member of both and held numerous offices including captain and treasurer. As a part of the rescue squad, Jimmy was a Certified Master Diver for Gaston County and a registered deep sea diver. Upon retirement, he volunteered with the American Red Cross and reported to Ground Zero after September 11.

Jimmy was a Renaissance Man and excelled in the arts. He had a library of history books and was an accomplished and award-winning painter, cross-stitcher, and woodworker, placing in several fairs and shows including the North Carolina State Fair, the North Carolina Mountain State Fair, the Cleveland County Fair, and the Belmont Abbey Model Show. He was also a skilled rock climber and summited many mountains across the state.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his teacup poodle, Maggie. He is survived by his loving family, including his wife of 59 years, Carolyn; his two daughters, Tracy Owen Wiles (Mark) of Rock Hill and Penny Owen Hooper (Bryan) of Stanley; four grandchildren, Kelly E. Wiles of Philadelphia, Austin J. Wiles of Charleston, Shelby Stanley (Joey) of Gastonia, Josie Hooper of Charlotte; one great-grandson, Owen Stanley; and his dog, Molly. Jimmy also had many friends from all walks of life who will sorely miss him and his jokes.

A memorial service to celebrate Jimmy's life will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at Mount Holly Church of God with Pastor Dennis Bean officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 12:00 pm until 1:00 pm at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mount Holly Church of God, 208 Rankin Avenue, Mount Holly, NC 28120. Woodlawn Funeral Home of Mount Holly is serving the family.

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