James Owens

James "Jerry" Owens, age 64 of Beavercreek, passed away on Thursday, 20 May 2021. He was born on 20 September 1956 in Norfolk, VA, to James "Jim" and Marie "Evie" Owens. He received his bachelor's degree in computer science from the University of South Carolina where he was also a member of the Air Force ROTC, band and bowling team. Following his graduation, Jerry was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force in 1978. In 1983, he received his Master's in Computer Science from Air Force Institute Technology (AFIT). In total, he served 16 years in the Air Force specializing in computer science and operated as a ROTC instructor teaching Military Science at Kent State University. Jerry also served during the Gulf War before retiring in 1995 at the rank of Major. Following retirement, Jerry returned to the Dayton area and focused on raising his three children: Jamie, Lena and Donald. His hobbies were bowling, computers and following his kids' activities. He was as an assistant coach for the Beavercreek High School Bowling Team, helping them win the GWOC title in 2006. For the past 13 years, Jerry worked as an Oracle database administrator for the University of Dayton.

Jerry had a passion and talent for bowling, achieving many accolades to include the 1976 national collegiate team championships, eight Air Force Command titles, city and state championships, along with an abundance of 300 games and 800 series. His success culminated in 2007 with an induction into the Greater Dayton Bowling Hall of Fame. His passion spread to his children, who all bowled through their high school years for Beavercreek High School. Jerry's other interests included football, baseball and basketball; he was an avid Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros, Dayton Flyers, and South Carolina Gamecock fan.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Jim. He is survived by his mother, Evie, brothers, John (Sherryl) and David, three children, Jamie (Yvonne), Lena and Donald (Brittany), and four grandchildren, Skyler, Austin, Caleb and Charlotte.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, 27 May 2021 at Newcomer of Beavercreek from 9:30-11:30am, with funeral ceremony immediately following. Flowers may be sent to Newcomer of Beavercreek, or donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or ALS foundations in Jerry's honor.

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