James Loyd Cowden

Resided in Escanaba, MI
Died December 29, 2012

Escanaba, MI
James Loyd Cowden: 74. Passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday Dec 29, 2012.

Born Oct 5, 1938 to James Sr. and Buthel (Nance) Cowden in Dearborn MI. Jim married Marilyn Hulslander on Nov 1, 1958. Jim and Marilyn recently celebrated 54 years of loving marriage. Jim graduated with the 1956 class at Dearborn High School and attended two years at Walsh Institute of Accounting. Prophet Foods Company in Detroit employed Jim for nine years. He and his family moved to Escanaba in 1971. Jim, along with his wife purchased Superior Vending Service. In 1972 they also purchased Auger Wholesale Inc. Additionally they owned and operated UP Games & Music, Roundy’s hall and the grand stand concessions at the UP State Fair. Shortly after moving to Escanaba, which he felt was the best move he ever made for his wife and family, he became an active member of Central United Methodist Church. Jim served in several roles such as, administrative board chair, finance committee leader and occasionally lay preacher. In 1994, Jim became a member of United Evangelical Covenant Church until present.

Jim is survived by, his wife Marilyn, daughters Pamela (James) Parkinson, Linda (Loren) Anderson, and Gloria (Margarito) St Cyr, his grandchildren Melissa (Christian) Pesci, Kasse Parkinson, Shaun Anderson, James D. (Rachel) Anderson and Alexis St. Cyr. Step-Grandchildren, Mitchell DeGraves, Gaige St. Cyr, and Devin St. Cyr and one great-grandchild Lily Anderson, two sisters Nancy (Charles) Slayton and Betty (Bert) Kingston, and several nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and youngest sister Mary VonBargen.

The visitation will be held at United Evangelical Covenant Church in Gladstone on Thursday January 3, 2013 from 2pm till 6pm with the service to follow at 6:00 PM with Rev. Nathan Longager officiating. Luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall. Burial will take place Friday at 11:00 AM at the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked for donations to be made in his name to, Gladstone St. Vincent DePaul ((906) 428-1234 /816 Delta Ave, Gladstone, MI49837) or The Parkinson Foundation of Michigan (https://www.parkinsonsmi.org) or the United Evangelical Covenant Church. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Escanaba and Gladstone are assisting the Cowden family.

4 Tributes for “James Loyd Cowden

    sorry to hear the news of jim’s passing. i always enjoyed seeing him and listening to his quips and jokes… my sympathies to all the family members that will miss him terribly. jim, the good thing is…there most definately is baseball in heaven. 😉 God bless. dr brian

    Dear Marilyn and Family,I was so sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. It has been such a long time since we lived in Esky that we have lost touch with so many of the group from Central. I think of Linda frequently and how much I enjoyed her sitting next to me in choir – and all the help she gave Bob and me when we had the youth group. You have a lovely family and you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Jim was a wonderful man. He is certainly in God’s House now. With love and prayers to each of you.
    Lori and Bob

    Linda and family, I know how hard this is for your family but he is in a better place. It helps to talk about your dad and share stories that will bring back happier times with him. I’ve been thinking and praying for you…

    Marilyn . . . I was shocked and saddened to read about Jim’s death. My memories of him are something I have cherished throughout the years. I’ll never forget how the two of you supported me when I made the decision to go into ministry. Jim was perhaps the most soft spoken and spiritual man I’ve known. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this tender time.

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