James Andrew Ownby

James Andrew Ownby, “Jim” passed away at Blount Memorial Hospital on September 22, 2018 after a short battle with cancer. He was 72 years old. Born in Tampa, Florida in 1945, Jim grew up in Newport News, Virginia. He resided in several states during his life, but he loved Tennessee the best. Maryville has been his home since 1999. Education includes a degree in Electrical Engineering from Tennessee Technical University and graduate studies at Texas A&M. Most of Jim’s career was in the software industry where he was a consultant and manager with several companies, the most recent being Langham Consulting Services from which he retired in 2015. The military was very important to Jim. He was a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy, having two tours in Vietnam and the remainder of his 24 years of service in the reserves. Upon his death, he was married to Kay Pennington Ownby for 30 years. From this marriage, he had a daughter Shannon Prentice, who is married to Jay, and three beautiful grandchildren, Oliva Marie (8), Samantha Kay (8), and Cooper James (5). Jim adored all of them. Throughout his life, Jim enjoyed playing golf with his friends and eventually learned he did not have to throw his club when a shot went in the water. He enjoyed crossword puzzles, computer card games, reading, and listening to conservative news and talk shows. Jeopardy was a must every week night. Most of all, he enjoyed his family and friends and travelling in his motor home or by cruise ship. Unfortunately, he never got to make one more cruise that would have earned him free laundry services! Jim was preceded in death by his grandparents Ed and Margaret May of Tennessee and by his parents William and Margaret Hooton, also of Tennessee. Also, surviving are children including Julie Hillaker of California, James Ownby of Tennessee, and Shannon Prentice of Pennsylvania. He has five grandchildren, three nieces, and two nephews. Siblings include Linda Secrest and Marilyn Hargrove, both of Tennessee. Visitation will be held Saturday, September 29th from 2:30 to 4:00 PM at Smith Funeral and Cremation Services, 1402 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, Tennessee. After visitation a service will be held at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Knox Area Rescue Ministries (KARM), or to a Veteran’s organization of your choice, or to Monte Vista Baptist Church in Maryville. Smith Funeral & Cremation Services, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James Andrew Ownby please visit our Sympathy Store.