Jim McGowen was born near England, Arkansas, on December 15, 1948. At the age of two, his parents, Billy and Lorene McGowen, moved the family to California, where they made their home in Kern County.

During his teenage years, Jim met Evelyn Hinkle, his high school sweetheart, when he offered to walk her home from Shafter High School. This gesture marked the beginning of a lifelong bond, and they've been walking hand in hand ever since.

Jim and Evelyn, destined to be together, would soon tie the knot on a Friday night, June 16th, 1967, at the Shafter Freewill Baptist Church. Their love story would span an incredible fifty-seven years and two-hundred and five days, a testament to the enduring power of their bond.

Before he could complete high school, Jim was drafted into the Army on May 23, 1968. He was sent to Vietnam from October 1968 to October 1969. Evelyn would later recount this was the longest year of her life.

During his service, Jim received several awards, including the National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, and the Vietnam Service Campaign Medal. At the time of his discharge, he was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado and held the rank of E-4.Jim was assigned to the Delta Raiders, officially known as D Company, 2nd Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division.

After his military service, Jim went on to earn his GED from Bakersfield High School, demonstrating his perseverance and commitment to education.

Jim had a deep passion for aviation and fulfilled his dream of earning his pilot's license. He loved sharing this joy with his children, often taking them on flights where he would point out their home from above. To make the experience even more magical, he let them believe they were the ones piloting the plane alongside him.

Jim thoroughly enjoyed his career at S.A. Camp Pump Company, where he was employed from February 2nd, 1971, until October 1st, 2015. Even after his full-time employment, he occasionally returned part-time to provide valuable advice. We don't believe he ever genuinely retired because of his passion for helping others. He was held in high esteem by his work family.

At seventy-six years of age, December 23rd, 2024, at 11:55 PM, surrounded by the love of his family, Jim peacefully passed away and entered his eternal home, ready to be with his Lord and Savior. His official time of death will be recorded as Christmas Eve.

Jim was a man of unwavering faith, drawing strength from his favorite scripture, Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." These words were his guide through the trials of life, including his time serving in Vietnam, and a cornerstone of his daily walk with God. Every morning, before placing his feet on the ground, he grounded himself in that promise.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and perseverance, touching the lives of all who knew him. Though our hearts ache with the loss, we rejoice knowing that it is well with his soul. Hallelujah, our Savior has redeemed him.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife, Evelyn McGowen, his beloved children, Jennifer and Jeff McGowen, his daughter-n-law Lori McGowen and his treasured grandchildren: Kaitlyn Eastman, Jessica McGowen, Nicolette Svitenko, Colton McGowen and his wife Breonna McGowen. He was also deeply blessed with great-grandchildren: Andilynn McGowen, Lincoln McGowen, Ezra McGowen, Finnick McGowen, and Luca Alia.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Billy Dail McGowen and Sadie Lorene McGowen, as well as his siblings Ruby Gates, Gary McGowen, and Terry McGowen.

He is lovingly remembered by his surviving siblings, Brenda Albitre, Rodney McGowen, and Darlene McGowen, who will continue to honor his legacy with love and fond memories.

Jim is also fondly remembered by many of his cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Gone but never forgotten; Amen.