James J. McGowan, 92, died peacefully early this morning on March 6, 2018.

Jim was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His bright and positive personality brought smiles to his many friends over the years. Jim was born of humble beginnings in Hoboken, NJ. Son of James, a barge captain on the Hudson River, and Frances (nee McKenna) McGowan. He was one of seven siblings. He attended Saint Peters Prep in Jersey City and served in the Army during WWII. After a brief stint at Georgia Tech, Jim deployed to Europe and was awarded a Bronze Star for his efforts during the Battle of the Bulge. Afterwards, Jim began a long career as a well-respected and admired Purchasing Agent for ITT. Relocating to Raleigh in 1971, Jim was an active member and communicant at St. Raphael's Catholic Church. Engaged in many civic, religious and charitable causes, he was a leader as Past Grand Knight, Father Thomas Price Council of the Knights of Columbus, Raleigh. Never the shy one, he took great pleasure in marching in the annual St. Patrick’s Day and Christmas parades in town. Jim enjoyed spending time down at the coast and cherished the role of grandpa to his grandchildren. He was visible at numerous soccer games, school functions and the like. In his retirement, he and his wife, Mitzie, traveled extensively cruising around the world and in particular, spending time in their beloved Ireland.

Jim was preceded in death by his first wife, Evelyn Marie (nee Flora); his son, David; and his wife, Madelyne (Mitzie) McGowan; as well as his brothers and sisters.

He is survived by his sons, James L. McGowan (Peggy) of Jackson, NJ and Kevin P. McGowan of Cary, NC; stepsons, Stephen Balcome (Deborah) of Charlotte, NC, Thomas Balcome (JoAnna) of Raleigh, NC; daughters-in-law, Lib McGowan of Cary, NC and Maria McGowan of Port St. Lucie, FL; and his grandchildren, Jimmy, Danny, Chris, David, Matt Danya), Kelly, John (Meryl), and Jason.

The families will celebrate a funeral Mass for Jim and Mitzie April 27, 1:30 PM at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 5801 Falls of the Neuse Road, Raleigh, with a visiting time one hour prior.

A prayer and honor service will be held at Raleigh Memorial Park Mausoleum immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Transitions LifeCare, founded as Hospice of Wake County. https://transitionslifecare.org/