James E Cowden

I had the absolute pleasure of working for Jim while employed with the State, having gotten to know him on a personal level as well. He is someone I have always remembered through the years. I'm sorry to know of his passing, to you, his family, know you are in thoughts and prayers.

Jim gave me my first job as an LTE with Clinical Corrections in 1973. I remember him as having a great sense of humor, easy to work for and very smart. One time just him and I flew (he was a pilot too) in a small plane up to Green Bay Reformatory while it was snowing! I was somewhat nervous - lol - not Jim!! Just an all around good guy. My sympathies to his family

I was very sad to hear of the passing of my Uncle Jim. I have great memories of spending summer vacations with him & Laverne in Wisconsin! I also have fond memories of time spent together with Jim in my adult life. I found him to be a fascinating & highly intelligent individual with a passion for travel and enjoying the water out on a boat. I enjoyed our talks about his work which I found to be very interesting. He also had the greatest sense of humor, this I will never forget. He was a great man and a wonderful Uncle, may he rest in peace.

I was sorry to hear of Uncle Jim's passing. He only lived a few days longer than my Dad, Calvin Cowden, his older brother who died on August 7th, 2019. We didn't get to see each other very much over the years, but I always enjoyed our conversations when we did get together. I remember one time, when I was a kid that he took my parents and I on an airplane flight in Wisconsin. That was pretty exciting for me as it was my first time to be up in a small aircraft.

My Dad, Jim & their Mom, Irene 1940's...

Jim had recently become my landlord, back in 1984. I saw him breaking his back one day, working on a heavy project. I asked him if he could use a hand, and he gratefully accepted.. Flash Forward to Sept. 6th 2019. I'm at his funeral. Heart-broken over the loss of such a good friend for so many years. I stayed a distance from my friends casket, so I wouldn't entirely lose it. Laverne was much stronger and read your message, Caitlin. She did a fine job, and so did you, Caitlin. Flash Back to the '80's: Jim hired me on as Resident Manager for the Lakeside Apartments. Throughout the years, he taught me many things, and introduced me to many people. I met his brother Cecil at one point, and later met him on one of my trips. (I especially remember rattling through the streets of Seattle in his Volkswagen van as he took me to the coolest Irish Pub.) I believe that I may have taken Ben and Caitlin out in the canoe at least once or twice. 😁 I met all kinds of people and had all kinds of great times because of Jim. Sure, we worked and dealt with numerous different issues and projects, but I seem to remember the good times better. And on that, I could write a whole book! Throughout the years, we went on numerous roadtrips. Eagle River, and Florida and Missouri and more. We rode our motorcycles together. We went to Oshgosh Air Show a couple of times, boating and much more. Jim was always full of stories, and loved to tell them. And knowing Jim, I bet most of them were true! Good-bye old friend, Gonna miss you being around.