James R. Ownbey

After surviving many battles during WWII, James Ruel Ownbey 87, of Cleveland, TN lost his final battle to lung cancer on Veterans Day November 11, 2010. He slipped peacefully away at home surrounded by his loving family. James Ruel Ownbey proudly served in The United States Air Force from 1940 until he retired in 1972. After fighting in the Pacific Theatre during WWII he continued his service during The Vietnam and Korean Wars and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.

He was preceded in death by his beloved first wife and the mother of his children, Peggy Ownbey and his mother and father Lennie and Homer Ownbey.

He is survived by his loving wife, Philora Ownbey and his three children, Jennifer Link, Jim (Laura Anne)Ownbey and Rudy (Kathy) Ownbey; six grandchildren: J.J. Link, Ashley Bryan, Tyler Ownbey, Erin Ownbey, Sara Anne Ownbey and Megan Ownbey; two great-grandchildren: Katie Link and Courtney Link: several cousins and nieces and nephews.

He will be buried with full military honors at Hilcrest Memorial Gardens at 2:00 PM on Sunday, November 14, 2010. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers please make donations to: Cleveland Church of Christ; 1025 Beech Cir NW; Cleveland, TN 37312.

Grissom Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements. To send an online condolence to the family, visit www.grissomfh.net.

I am an American Airman, Wingman, Leader, and Warrior. I will never leave an Airman behind. I will never falter, And I will not fail.