James Edward McGowan

Celebrating The Memory

of

               James E. McGowan

  James E. McGowan was born on July 28, 1954 in Crystal Springs, MS. He was the son of the late Earnest McGowan and Mamie Lee Evans McGowan. On Sunday, November 5, 2023, God decided it was time for him to come to his final resting place. At a young age, he accepted Christ in his life and was baptized at New Pisgah M.B. Church, Crystal Springs, MS.  

 James graduated from Crystal Springs High School in 1972. Soon after graduating he moved to Peoria, IL and began his career path with St. Francis Hospital and continued his journey to Caterpillar Tractor Co. While employed with Caterpillar’s, James continued, his education and received his CDL trucking license. He later retired from Caterpillar in 2004 and became owner/operator of James McGowan Trucking Company foe 10 years and retired in 2014. 

 Along James’s journey, he met and married “his partner in crime”, Ora M. McGowan on January 1, 1994. They were married for 30 years. James and Ora lived in Peoria, IL for several years and decided to relocate to Shiloh, TN. Ora and James worked hand in hand creating and designing James McGowan Trucking Co. until 2014 when they both decided to retire and live out their golden years together. 

 James is preceded in death by four sisters, Willie Ruth Tobias, Maggie Ruth Taylor, Vernita Powell and Evangelist Irma Jean Skipper; three brothers, Earnest Earl McGowan, Sylvester McGowan and Leroy McGowan. 

 James leaves to cherish his memories: his devoted wife, Ora M. McGowan of Shiloh, TN; two daughters, Demetrice Hilliard of Jackson, MS. and Miaketta Luckett (Jamaal) of Terry, MS; four sons, Terrance McGowan of Peoria, IL, Antwan McGowan (Alice) of Jacksonville, IL, Jamar White (Alana) of Jacksonville, IL and Michael McGowan of Jacksonville, IL; two bonus children, Shonnia Houston (Lee) of Atlanta, GA and Larry Douglas of Peoria, IL; two sisters, Deloris Davis (Eddie) of Sparland, IL and Idell McGowan of Peoria, IL; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.