James T. McGowan, age 81 of Monroe, passed away Thursday, October 9, 2025 at St. Therese IHM Senior Living Community.
Born July 1, 1944 in Detroit, MI, Jim was the son of the late Stanley and Margaret (Neckel) McGowan. He attended St. Patrick Elementary School and graduated from Monroe Catholic Central High School in 1962.
Jim honorably served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War from 1968-1969. He resumed his education, earning a bachelor's in Business Administration from Cleary College in 1973. On November 30, 1968, Jim wed Cynthia Samples. Together they raised three children. She preceded Jim in death on June 16, 1991. Jim later married Ruth Meiring on August 8, 1999.
Jim was employed by Chrysler Corporation for many years as an Accounting Supervisor. After retiring in February of 2001, he made a second career as an accountant at Maybee Farmers Co-op.
Jim was an active member of Divine Grace Parish in Carleton where he served as a Lay Minister and Lector. As a young man, Jim enjoyed drag racing in Milan and Detroit. He also enjoyed playing golf, bowling, farming, gardening, and visiting area casinos.
Jim cherished the past four years of his life as a resident of the St. Therese IHM Senior Living Community… a place he referred to as "paradise" for its activities and treasured friendships he made while there. Jim will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Jim is survived by his wife, Ruth Meiring; his children, Patricia Thomas of Adrian, MI, Alan (Kimberly) McGowan of Novi, MI, and Kathleen (John) George of Dearborn Heights, MI; two stepchildren, James Sisung of Sacramento, CA and Shannon Wood of Belmont, MA; and five grandchildren.
Jim's family will receive visitors beginning at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 14th at the IHM Motherhouse Chapel where Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Rev. Fr. Jim Rafferty will officiate, assisted by Jim's nephew, Deacon Drew Langton. Burial at St. Patrick Cemetery will be privately attended by the family.
Bacarella Funeral Home is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, it was Jim's request that memorial donations benefit St. Patrick Grade School, SMCC High School, or Divine Grace Parish.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .