Jim was born in Pennsylvania and spent his childhood on a dairy farm there and in Public Landing, a small town outside of Snow Hill, Maryland. Jim's father, John Cowan, was a Scotland-born dairy herdsman, and his mother, Hilda Ramsey, was a homemaker and nurse. Jim grew up milking cows the old-fashioned way and joined his father during summer breaks from school with milking chores early in the morning. As a result of this, he had a deep appreciation for two things: animals and sleeping late into the morning. He would rise early only for tennis, boxing or work.

There was never a question in his parents' mind that Jim would not go to college. He followed his older sister Joan to Salisbury State College where, when we wasn't being a hellion, he found his passion for history and decided to be a high school teacher. This followed his high school guidance counselor assuring him that he would never go to college or amount to anything.

Jim was a successful educator, winning many teaching awards at Oxon Hill High School. He went on to open the Suitland University High School program as the chair of the social studies department. After that, he was tapped to work as an instructional assistant to an Assistant Superintendent and then to become a beloved principal at Owens Road Elementary School. Finally, Jim joined the ranks of teacher educators as the elementary education coordinator for Towson University at the College of Southern Maryland. In all of these positions, he worked very hard to raise the next generation of educators and help high school students find their paths to success.

Jim's passion was tennis, and he was an amazing tennis player. When he wasn't playing tennis, he was watching tennis on TV or studying tennis videos. His friend Gary introduced him to Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson's where he found a new athletic community. Jim's athletic talents were a bulwark against Parkinson's disease for 25 years.

Jim will be remembered for his integrity, kindness and wit, and as a wonderful, loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.