James Newton Owen

James (Jimmy) Newton Owen, Jr. of Decatur, passed away on January 28, 2015 at the age of 88. An Atlanta native, he was the son of the late James Newton Owen Sr. and Hattie Maybelle King Owen. Jimmy graduated from Tech High School in Atlanta and Atlanta Law School, and was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Station in Wisconsin during the Second World War. The beloved husband of Beverly Jeanne Sprayberry Owen, whom he met at Grant Park in Atlanta. The two married in Ormewood Presbyterian Church in Atlanta on June 22, 1946, and raised four children. Over the years, their home hosted many family dinners, backyard picnics, and grandchild adventures. Jimmy was a student of history, political science, Southern humor, and all things Atlanta. A successful wall covering and painting contractor, he worked in many notable Georgia landmarks and homes. He was a member of Decatur Presbyterian Church, serving the church for years as caretaker of its Lake Lanier retreat center. Jimmy was an avid fan of Georgia Tech football and the Atlanta Braves; he loved his family, Mayfield ice cream, Coca-Cola, and knowing more than you about local politics. He is survived by Jeanne, his wife of 68 years; children Beverly Jan Owen Borgo, Tallahassee, FL; Jeanine Owen Jackson (Robert H.) Matthews, NC; Julie Owen Campbell, Monroe, GA; James N. Owen III (Lisa), Tucker, GA. Grandchildren Doug Borgo, Michelle Borgo Francis, John Jackson, Christopher Jackson, Adam Jackson, Eric Jackson, Kristina Campbell Bradford, Benjamin Campbell, Gillum Owen, and James (Jay) Newton Owen IV. Many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews spent time on his knee. He was preceded in death by his parents James, Sr. and Hattie, siblings Lawson Bass Owen, Mary Louise Owen McLaughlin, Sarah Jean Owen Dunaway and son-in-law Robert W. Campbell. Memorial services will be held Saturday, January 31 at 2:00pm at Decatur Presbyterian Church, Decatur, GA. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Decatur Presbyterian Church Retreat Center. A. S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory.


Funeral Home:
A.S. Turner
2773 N. Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033