James Homer “Cotton” Owens, 87, of Salem, passed away Monday, June 23, 2014. He was born October 1, 1926, to the late Oscar and Lilly Owen. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Ruby J. Owens; daughter, Dreama Kiser; and brothers, Everett Owen, and Bill and Sammy Hubble.
Mr. Owens was a proud US Navy Veteran, having fought in WWII. He retired after 34 years with Valleydale Packers in Salem, and later retired again from the Roanoke County School Board and City of Salem Schools. His passion was fox hunting, listening to the dogs run all night, and he loved talking on the phone with his fellow hunters.
Family left to cherish his memory include his daughters, Karine and husband Richard Pierce, and Glenda and husband Buddy Bastress; grandchildren, J. Travis Pierce and wife Kristy, and Kristin Rickman and husband Tony; great grandchildren, Kendal and Brendan Pierce, and Caroline Rickman; brother in law, Leon and wife Virgie Jarrett; sisters in law, Billie Lee Jarrett and Gladys Owen; numerous nieces and nephews; and many kind neighbors and friends who always were there for him. The family would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to Salem Health and Rehab for their caring and compassion during this difficult time.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, June 25, 2014 from 6 to 8 p.m. at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. A funeral service will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, June 26, 2014 in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem. An online guestbook is available by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.