Dec. 4, 1934 – Dec. 22, 2013

James R. Owen died December 22, of complications from a broken ankle. He was 78 years old.

Trained as an electrical engineer, Jim could solve nearly any problem with a quadrille pad and a number two pencil. Jim put himself through college and earned the attention of a local girl at a dance.

He married Mary Ann Owens in 1957. The newlyweds moved to Maryland, Colorado, California and Oregon, from 1958 to 1966, giving birth to a son at each stop.

In Oregon he joined Ford Industries where helped grow the company to more than 400 employees, led a management buy-out and renamed it Code-A-Phone Corporation.

Meanwhile he and Mary Ann raised four wild Oregon boys, coping with the chaos that couldn’t be contained on a quadrille pad.

Jim retired in 1991, to start his next chapter building fine English cabinets, painting in oils, cooking French cuisine and publishing a book about global energy.

Jim is survived by his wife; four sons; and three grandchildren. His accomplishments were borne of his head and hands, but also his devoted and loving wife, who never left his side.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Cannon Beach Arts Association in Jim Owens name.