James R. Owens, 66, of Waterbury, Ct., was called home on Thursday December 26, 2013 at Yale - New Haven Hospital. He was the husband of Annie L. (Robinson) Owens. James was born March 10, 1947 in Troy, Alabama. He was the son of the late Robert L. Owens and Alline (Brockton) Owens. James was educated in Waterbury Public Schools. He was employed as an Electrician for several companies within Waterbury. James served four years in the United States Marine Corps. He was a veteran of the Vietnam Era. James was a faithful member of Zion Baptist Church of Waterbury, Ct.
Besides his wife Annie, he leaves his son, James Owens of Boston, MA, and a daughter, Ebony Sandelin of Waterbury, Ct. He also leaves brothers, Elder Jesse Owens, Tyrone (Linda) Owens, of Waterbury, Ct., sisters, Leiola Owens of Waterbury, Ct., Jeanette Thomas of New Britain, Ct., Delores Coggins (Daryl) of North Carolina, and a brother Ronald Owens (Pat) of Texas. James also leaves four step-children, Marcia N. Knight (Leon), Kevin Clark (Felicia), Keith Clark of Waterbury, Ct., and Lisa N. Clark of Indianapolis, Indiana. Two step-grandchildren, Jayson K. Knight of Waterbury, Ct. and Marcus A. Black-Clark of Lancaster, CA who called James, “Poppa James”. James also leaves his mother-in-law, Eva Mae Robinson of Waterbury, Ct. and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. James was predeceased by his sister-in-law, Mary Owens, a brother-in-law, James A. Thomas, and a special uncle, “Uncle Man”.
Homegoing Celebration for James will be held Saturday January 4, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. from Zion Baptist Church, 137 Pearl Street, Waterbury, Ct. with the Rev. Calbert R. Brantley, Pastor, presiding. Burial with full military honors will be in the State Veterans Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown, Ct. The American Flag will be presented to Mr. Owen’s wife, Annie. Relatives and friends may call at Zion Baptist Church Saturday from 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Service of Comfort provided by the Paul A. Shaker / Farmingdale Funeral Home, 764 Farmington Avenue, New Britain, Ct. To extend condolences to the Owens family or to share a memory of James, please visit our website @ shakerfuneralhome.com

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