Jim Owen

Jim Owen

Clover – James “Jim” Henry Owen, Sr., 95, passed away on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at the Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House in Rock Hill, SC.
Jim was born in Calhoun, GA, on June 23, 1925 to the late Rembert and Janette Reeve Owen. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 45 years Yvonne Norman Owen, and brothers, Reeve, Tom, and Dave Owen. He is survived by son James Henry “Hank” Owen, Jr. (Kay), daughter Sue Owen Gover (Jim); grandchildren, Kathryn O. Sasser (Trey), J. Henry Owen III (Elizabeth), Elizabeth G. Preston (Blair), Mary Y. Gover (Kristy); great grandchildren, Mary Alice Owen, Annabel Nancy Sasser, Elizabeth “Lettie” James Owen, Maren Yvonne Preston, Frank Blair “Ford” Preston IV, and Owen James Gover.
Jim graduated from Calhoun High School in 1942 and completed his freshman year at Georgia Tech before serving in the Army Air Corp during WWII. After the war, he entered Emory University and graduated in 1948 with a degree in journalism. He and Yvonne Norman were married and moved to West Jefferson, NC, and Jim began his career with The Skyland Post. In 1953, they moved to Clover, SC and he became owner/publisher/editor of The Clover Herald. Later, Jim and Ned Burgess formed Carolina Newspapers that also owned The Yorkville Enquirer. Jim was well known for his weekly column “Main Street”, where he highlighted the town and its residents. Jim served as the President of the South Carolina Press Association in 1984 and received recognition as National Editor of the Week by a publishing journal. He retired in 1990 and enjoyed his retirement playing golf and traveling.
Jim was actively involved in the Town of Clover and several civic organizations, having served on Clover Town Council, Clover Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, United Way, and Clover High School Athletic Booster Clubs. He was the first Chairman of the Clover Christmas Parade. An avid golfer, he helped organize the Clover Club Invitational and served as the first chairman. Jim was an active member of First United Methodist Church, Clover, and served in many leadership capacities. He will be remembered for his strong will but kind and gentle manner.
A graveside service will be held at 11 AM at Woodside Cemetery in Clover, SC on Friday, March, 19 2021 with Rev. Alex Stevenson officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 124 Bethel St, Clover, SC 29710 or to the Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House, 2275 India Hook Road, Rock Hill, SC 29732.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.brattonfuneralhome.com.
Bratton Funeral Home in York, SC is serving the Owen family.