JAMES EDWARD COWAN obituary

James Edward Cowan left for greener pastures on June 25, still concerned about his irrigation duties and the need to move his herd of horses back to Seeley Lake for summer grazing.

Jim lost his rapid battle with pneumonia and MRSA in his lungs and blood stream. B o r n Au g . 1 5 , 1934, Jim's p a r e n t s , George and Edith, who p r e c e d e d h i m i n d e a t h , would have never imagined the many roads, successes and varied interests their baby son would explore during his 75 years. His early school years were spent in Chinook, working as a paper boy, newsstand clerk, farm and ranch laborer and grocery stock boy. After high school graduation he worked in the oil fields of No r t h Da ko t a , Ka n s a s , Oklahoma and Wyoming. For two years he served in the U.S. Army 7th Infantry Division in Korea with Secret and top secret special clearances. During that tour of duty, he married his love, Joan Y. Grogan in 1955, forever after referring to her as his “new bride.” While in college at Northern Montana Col lege and the University of Montana, Jim's strong work ethic continued, while collecting friends and stories along the way and sharing all with Joan. After receiving his bachelor of science degree in 1960, Jim began his banking career. Jim graduated from the commercial division of Pacific C o a s t Ba n k i n g S c h o o l , University of Washington in 1973. Jim's banking career reflected his ability and success in financial management in Havre, Fort Benton and Great Falls. He achieved one of his greatest goals becoming part-owner of an independent bank in Polson and moved his family to beautiful western Montana. His final and most rewarding career achievement was organizing the First Valley Bank in Seeley Lake, serving as CEO and controlling stockholder. In 1998, Jim retired, trading his suit and ties for the more comfortable blue overalls so he could begin the dream of handling his own hay and irrigation ranches in Seeley Lake and Charlo, and in the winter months enjoying traveling the Southwest in a motor coach. Jim claimed the Bob Marshall Wilderness as his playground, and he is enjoying its majesty and beauty now. Jim received much recognition in his professional career. Governors Schwinden, Stevens and Racicot appointed Jim as he served 10 years as vice chairman of the Montana Board of Investments and 10 years as chairman of the Montana Teachers Retirement System. But Jim was a man of diversity. The “cowboy” Jim was known to many as a horseman and having a knack and ability to work and understand the horses, and also known to his long list of e-mail recipients as a sender of political views, humor and recipes to add to the enjoyment of living. We will miss Jim and the soft-spoken words, those given in earnest and those given with that deep laugh of enjoyment that will be missed by the cow pokes, the carefree friends on river floats, and the unhurried visits that Jim shared with us all. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Joan, and three children whom he was very proud of, James N, of Sheridan, Wyo., Vicki M. of Portland, Ore., and Jeffrey W. of Libby; along with three grandchildren, James N. Kieran, Tara and Timothy Cowan. Other survivors include his sisters, Marion Culleton, and Sandra Cowan; and brother, Ted. He is also survived by many relatives and special friends whom he considered family. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Montana Special Olympics http://www.somt. org, Seeley Lake Community Foundation or a charity of your choice. A memorial service led by Pastor Louis Stoker to celebrate his life will be held at Seeley Lake Communi ty Hal l on Friday, July 3, 2009, at 2 p.m. with a reception following. Honorary pall bearers will be Kieran Cowan, Bruce Wold, Mark Nicholson, Roger Johnson and Dick Duncan.