J.P. (Jim) Cowden, age 57, died at St. Mary’s Hospital, April 22, 1949, after a long illness. Prominent in the business and political life of the community for many years, Jim was widely known throughout this area.

James Paul was born February 2, 1892, in Cowley County, Kansas. In 1903 he came with the family to a farm west of Osawatomie, attended school in the Indianapolis district and was graduated from the Osawatomie High School in 1911.

He was then employed at several state hospitals, including the one at Osawatomie. In 1916 and 1917, he was employed as meat inspector in packing houses in Chicago. He entered the armed services in 1917, going from Chicago to Camp Grant.

In 1922, Jim was married to Birdie Williams.

He spent several years in the news stand in Osawatomie, where he made many friends. He and Birdie were distributors of the Kansas City Star here for the past 27 years, and have operated a variety and gift store. Because of ill health, Jim has spent a number of years on the farm.

He was a member of the I.O.O.F. No. 349 Lodge, Eastern Star No. 26, and was a 32nd degree Mason. He also was a member of the American Legion. From 1937 until 1941, he was utilities commissioner of Osawatomie.

His wife, Birdie, survives him. Also survivors are his father, W.P. Cowden, and a brother, Nelson, both of Osawatomie; and two sisters, Mrs. Violet Gooding of Gooding, Idaho, and Mrs. Elmer S. Paddock of Ottawa, Kansas.

Funeral services were held in the Birchard Funeral Home on Monday, April 25, at 2:30 p.m. Rev. C. O. Wilson of Kansas City, Mo., and Rev. Arnold O.. Guy of Osawatomie officiating. Mrs. Esther Teeter and Mrs. Gertrude Price sang “Old Rugged Cross” and “End of a Perfect Day.” They were accompanied by Mrs. Eleanor Beasley at the piano.

Joe Whiteford, Otto Icenogle, Clarence Beaver, Harold Young, R.H. Wheeler, Harold Barber, Ray Parker, and Dave Smith served as pallbearers. Burial was in the Osawatomie Cemetery, the rites of the I.O.O.F. lodge being conducted at the grave.