James Napier Owen, aged 72, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 31, 2026. Born on April 24, 1953 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he lived a life full of music and adventure, with a passion for people.
James lived the majority of his life in West Michigan, graduating from East Grand Rapids High School and going on to complete his bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University. He wore many hats in his lifetime including Grill Master, Taxi driver to sports games, Odyssey of the Mind coach, Videographer of dance recitals, Builder of pool house, Counselor, Contractor for OAK, Facilities Manager for Clark Retirement, but his favorite job was being a Grandpa.
James was preceded in death by his loving parents Calvin and Ann Owen. He is survived by his daughters Sara Owen, Jenna (Michael) Schaut, and his son Mark Owen, as well as three grandchildren he adored, Nova, Samantha, and Aaron. James is also survived by his brother David Owen and sister Patricia (William) Stieber as well as his four nieces.
If you knew James, then you knew his happy place was sitting outside, smoking a cigarette with a cup of coffee, and listening to the birds chirp. He was a collector of many watches but incidentally was never on time. James might be the only person who read every Consumer Reports guide to find the latest and greatest gadget and then proceeded to buy his friends and family that gadget every Christmas. You can never have too many Olights – he was a huge fan! He collected many things including a massive music collection, many knives, and a plethora of Grateful Dead memorabilia. He also enjoyed the finer things in life. He was a connoisseur of ice cream, watcher of sunsets, seasoned stroller down his street, and expert s’more maker.
When James was younger, one of his favorite things to do was go camping. In his later years when a sleeping bag on the ground was not as kind to his body, he upgraded to an RV and went on many adventures with his son. He spent his last days traveling out west and meeting many people along the way, as he did wherever he would go. As James traveled this earth, he was always searching for the “perfect sound.” Many loved ones believe he finally found it.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
I only knew James for 6 days parked next to each other in Quartsite, AZ, rv park. In those six days we conversed about children, parents, politics, rv travels done and upcoming, nature, education, life in general, and of course, music. With 3 other friends, we made a date to be back there in January. James wanted to travel Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Michigan. Since he taught me all about the Greatful Dead, ill travel
these states to share some more of natures wonders.
- Carole Zibert
Jim was a great friend, always with a big smile and kind words, we attended several concerts together and always had a lot of fun and sometimes found the “perfect sound
The obit was very touching and right on
Miss ya brother Jim
Peace be with you
- Jerry Strahan
