Loving greetings to Carol, Doug, and Tom. Many years ago, Jim hired me to cut the grass on the greens of his beloved Buttonwood Par 3 Golf Course. I had been playing lots of golf at that time and was getting pretty good (breaking 80 three times). So one morning, Jim and I had some extra time, so he invited me to play a few holes with him as we had the course to ourselves since it was so early in the morning. Well...he beat me!
Dear Carol,
Our hearts hurt with you, and we are hanging onto the many memories we have of Jim over the many years our whole family has been blessed to know you both. I smile when I think of his projects, and how he shared so generously with us... like moving rocks, building things, designing things, growing things, riding backhoes, cutting trees, and so much more. He taught us and he taught our kids. So tender hearted. He was artist, really, as well as such a creative inventor with an inquisitive mind, generous spirit, and such a very hard worker. We are grateful for the many ways both you and he have invested in our family's live. We will miss Jim very much. Sending love to you all.
Kym and Jon Woodard
Mr. McGowan was an amazingly gentle person, a father figure and a true friend. One of the quietest persons I know until you get him excited about something new or later his grandkids and then you could not make him stop talking! As a young man, I got to know him as the father of my friends Doug and Tom. I have a lot to thank them for. They taught me how to Golf, Skiing, a love of the outdoors and most importantly, walking with faith in Jesus in my everyday life. Later as I became older, Mr. McGowan became my friend too which was amazing. I regularly use his winter storm prediction method to plan for winter storms and it works 90% of the time! More importantly, I learned to appreciate that while Doug and Tom (and their families) are serving our Lord Jesus Christ in their own ways, they are also serving out a legacy of faith that Mr. and Mrs. McGowan instilled in their sons, that is bearing such wonderful and lasting fruit.
I have so many wonderful memories of Jim but one I cannot forget. I remember the time when Doug was leaving for Hong Kong for good. Mr. McGowan did not say a word, he had a smile all the time and then later a tear in his eyes. He was proud of Doug and what he was going to do, but he was also going to miss Doug. He had such a soft heart, a heart after God's own heart.
Always willing to help with a smile and kindness in his heart. A wonderful Christian man!
- Peter (Pradeep) Saxena
Jim McGowan arranged for my son Andrew's first flight in an airplane when Andrew was 11 years old, setting him firmly on a career path in aviation. Andrew is in the front seat flying the yellow plane and I am in the orange plane taking the picture, also thanks to Jim's friend's friend! Jim took my sons to RIT for their Imagination events to inspire their creativity. Jim and Carol invested in my family in so many ways. We will miss him greatly. You will be in our prayers Carol.
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