James Daniel Owens

James Daniel Owens

1945-2012

LONGMONT, Colorado --James Daniel (Jim) Owens, only son of Daniel E. and Estelle M. Owens, died Nov. 28, 2012, in Longmont United Hospital, Longmont, Colorado.

Jim attended school in Benkelman, Nebraska and graduated in 1963. He attended Kearney State College where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education in 1967 and attended Creighton University Law School, graduating in May, 1970. He returned to Benkelman and joined the practice of law with his father, Dan, in Owens and Owens, Attorneys at Law. Sister, Judith Owens, joined the firm from 1978 to 1981. She later rejoined Jim with her solo practice in the family firm office building. Jim was nearly retired from his practice when his death occurred. He was a highly respected member of the Nebraska Bar association and the Nebraska Bar Foundation. He served several terms as Dundy County Attorney, serving the last term from 2008 to 2011. He served as City Attorney during that same period of time.

Although adept at trial law, during his last 20 years of practice, Jim turned to probates, business practices and served many local and area Boards of Directors as attorney. He provided free services to a number of non-profit organizations when they needed his help. His generosity of free advice to local groups was very well known and appreciated.

Prior to entering law school, Jim continued his athletic prowess as a high school football and track star and continued to "put the shot" at Kearney. He was a 4-year member of the Kearney track team where he earned many awards. He set a record for the shot put in his sophomore year at Kearney State College-50' 81/2"- a record which stood many years.

Jim was active in Jaycees for many years and continued to provide his legal counsel and services to the organization until his death. He also served on the Dundy County Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, helped organize and create the Benkelman Community Theater Board of Directors, the Benkelman Community foundation and the Dundy County School Foundation.

Jim was an avid reader, coin collector, and fisherman and took his sons and grandchildren fishing whenever possible. He enjoyed music, especially classical pieces, loved theater, especially musical performances and enjoyed travel although he had little time in which to do it. In addition to these interests, he was an avid Cornhuskers through and through and attended most of the games for the past ten years. His wardrobe of Husker red seemed unending. Most of all, Jim loved his family and was a doting father, grandfather, and uncle as well as a caring and supportive brother, and friend. His giving nature lasted into death. Being an organ donor, Jim's generosity will allow at least seven people to benefit from his gift.

He is survived by his fiancée, Judy Coffey and her family of Longmont; his son Christopher D. Owens of Benkelman, Nebraska; step-son Jeffrey (Charisia) Raburn of Frederick, Colorado; his sisters, Barbara Moore and family of Ogallala, Nebraska; Judith Owens of Omaha, Nebraska; and Carol Lungrin and Family of Mesquite, Nevada. He will be missed by his entire family and many friends.

Memorial services were Monday, Dec. 3, 2012 at Zion Lutheran Church, in Benkelman, Nebraska with close friend, Pastor George Matthews presiding.

Contributions may be made to the James D. Owens Memorial Fund, c/o AmFirst Bank, 601 Chief St., Box 606, Benkelman, Nebraska 69021.

Please share your thoughts, memories and condolences with the family at www.howemortuary.com.