James Ownby

MANSFIELD -- James Charles "Jim" Ownby, 71, a retired U.S. Air Force major, joined his beautiful wife in heaven Friday, Aug. 31, 2012. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Grand Canyon Association, in memory of James Ownby, Director of Philanthropy, P.O. Box 399, Grand Canyon, Ariz. 86023, 800-858-2808. Jim was born July 22, 1941, in Wolfe City to Arvice and Florence Ownby. Jim married Rebecca "Becky" Ann Ownby on May 14, 1983. Jim served in the United States Air Force for 22 years. During his service, he was a pilot and finished his time working with the Fort Worth/Tarrant County Office of Emergency Management. Jim worked at Bell Helicopter Textron for 35 years before retiring in March 2011, but continued to consult seeing a project through to the end. Jim, known to his family as "Pa," was a kind, loving, compassionate, humble, Christian man. Pa was always a student who loved to read and teach his beloved kids and grandkids something new. He had a passion for the outdoors and loved to go to the Grand Canyon with anyone willing to go with him. There was a big party in heaven on Friday when Jim joined Becky as they celebrated with Jesus together. Jim was preceded in death by both parents and wife, Rebecca Ann Ownby. Survivors: Children, Travis and Karyn Ownby, Russell and Kandi Ownby, Christi and Ed Gimber, Denny and Robin Gregory; sister, Laurice Rayburn and husband, Roy; grandchildren, Logan Ownby, Ashton Ownby, Hannah Ownby, Riley Ownby, Alex Gregory, Charlie Gimber, Morgan Gregory and Zoey Gimber; and numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews and their families who loved him dearly.