James Franklin “Jim” Owensby Jr., 79, passed away at his home on Jan. 2, 2025 after his second courageous battle with cancer.
He was born Aug. 17, 1945 in the PeeDee Community off of Highway 220. Jim was the third of five children born to the late Frank and Ethel Owensby.
Jim was a 1963 graduate of Rohanen High School. He drove a school bus while attending Rohanen High and went to work as a truck driver for Swink Oil Company upon graduation. Later on, he served as a stock associate with JCPenney before transferring to their Tires, Batteries, and Accessories (TBA) Division. Jim left JCPenney to begin a successful career with CSX Railroad where he began as a machinist apprentice and retired from the Construction Division.
As a young man, he enjoyed fast cars, trips to the mountains, growing a garden, and both fresh and saltwater fishing.
Jim was a proud family man who led quietly. He and his wife, Juanita, raised their three children in Richmond County. Jim was highly skilled in completing mechanical and electrical repairs; as well as building and remodeling in the construction industry. He enjoyed working with his hands and using his talents to quietly serve his community. Jim took a special interest in small engine repair and loved to collect and refurbish old lawn mowers. For many years, he owned his own construction business as a side hustle. He took pride in being a solid provider for his family and often worked quietly behind the scenes to improve the lives of the people he loved. There’s a sign in his home that states, “If it ain’t broke, I fixed it.”
Jim supported his children during both academic and athletic achievements. He rarely complained. He ensured everyone had the things they needed before he considered himself. Jim enlisted in the N.C. Army National Guard in August of 1966 and was honorably discharged in September of 1971. He had aspirations to enroll in Highway Patrol School to become a state trooper; however, his new bride heavily encouraged him to choose a safer profession. For many years, he served as a Boy Scout assistant scoutmaster and as a volunteer with Richmond County Rescue Squad. Jim also spent years of his life heavily involved in national disaster assistance/recovery efforts with both the American Red Cross and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.
Along with his parents, Jim was predeceased by a brother, Ralph; and nephews Bob and Charles Bowles.
Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years, Juanita, of the home; his children, Jason (Leigh Ann), Jon (Rebecca) and Joanna; his grandchildren, Sam, Dylan and Paxton; his siblings, Elsie Bowles (Jimmie Harrington), Larry (Jeanne) and Bill (Gail). He is also survived by his grand-dogs Diesel (“Little Buddy”) and Amber.
The family will receive friends Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 from 5-7 pm at Watson-King Funeral Home in Hamlet. A funeral will be held on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Marks Creek Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow immediately upon conclusion of the service at Marks Creek Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
Memorials can be made to: Marks Creek Fellowship Hall Fund In Care of Ginger Seymour, 150 Two Sisters Lane, Rockingham, NC 28379; Boy Scouts of America; or Richmond County Animal Shelter, In Care of Tessie Caulder-Brigman, 529 W U.S. Highway 74 Rockingham, NC 28379.
Online condolences may be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Hamlet is serving the Owensby family.
NOTE: This obituary has been updated to change the funeral date.
