James (Jay) Walker Owens, age 77, of Cleveland, TN (formerly of Anderson, SC) passed into eternity with his Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, October 10, 2026.

Born September 19, 1949, in Bladendoro, NC, Jay was the oldest son of the late James Edward Owens and Ruby Tatum Owens. He was preceded in death by brothers, David and Danny Owens; brother-in-law, Perry Orvin and parents-in-law Hubert and Gladys Orvin.

Jay served proudly in the United States Air Force prior to becoming a self-employed residential contractor. He built and renovated homes in upstate SC for more than 50 years before retiring.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Daisy Orvin Owens and their sons, Kevin Owens (Cindy) of Powder Springs, GA; Brian Owens (Kelly) of Cleveland, TN; brother, Frank Owens (Evan) of Seneca, SC; sister, Linda Lane (Jim) of Newnan, GA; brother and sister in-law, Bill and Yvonne Schmidt of Anderson, SC; sister-in-law, Doneese Owens of Clover, SC; grandchildren, Kelsey O'Neil (Trevor), Lauren Hall (Eli), Belle Asik (Dursun), Peyton Owens, Ashton Owens, Garrett Owens, Tyler Owens, Hayden Owens, Lexi Owens; and great-grandchild, Sarah Grace O'Neil. He is also survived by cousins, nieces, nephews and others.

A remembrance service with military honors will be held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Veterans Mausoleum Section on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 2:00 pm. The family will receive friends prior to the service at the cemetery from 1:00-1:45 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans, www.dav.org.

The family would like to thank everyone who has reached out with memories, care and prayers.

Condolences may be left for the family by visiting WWW.MCDOUGALDFUNERALHOME.COM