James (Jim) Otis Ownbey, 75, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at his home under the care of his family and Hospice of Northeast Missouri.

He was born January 25, 1947 in Yarrow, Missouri, Jim was the son of James Walter and Gladys (Pinkerton) Ownbey. On April 2nd, 1966 he was united in marriage to Barbara Payton.

Jim is survived by his wife of 56 years; two daughters Lisa (Mark) Johnson, Tracy (Brandt) Cupp all of Kirksville, MO. Five grandchildren Alicia (Matt) Smith, Shelby Johnson, Holly Helm, Cody Helm, Tierra Cupp; as well as fourteen great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Lola Belle Bunch and Mary in infancy; two brothers, Marvin and Terry Ownbey; in-laws, Grover and Thelma Payton; and his granddaughter Robin Helm.

Jim received his education in the Kirksville public schools. He worked at McGraw Edison Company before going to work as an over the road truck driver hauling livestock. He then was employed for Payne's Shop and Dozing until 2002, then he started his own business, JJ's Welding & Machine Shop, until his retirement in 2019.

Jim enjoyed fishing, four-wheeler riding and pulling competitions, camping, traveling, and had innovative skills of machinery work.

Public visitation will be held Saturday, May 28, 2022 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 29, 2022 at Travis-Noe Funeral Home with Pastor Virgil Jones officiating. Interment will follow at Union Temple Cemetery, southwest of Kirksville.

Pallbearers will be Tony Barnes, Joe Wyatt, Matt Smith, Melvin Huff, Roland Lindsey, and Donnie Yantis.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Tommy Hays, Cody Helm, and Tyler Robinson

Memorial donations in memory of Jim may be made to Union Temple Church and may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.