James “Joe” L. Gowins

James L. “Joe” Gowins went home to be with The Lord on January 26, 2022 in his home surrounded by his loving family.

Born July 18th 1951 in Dover Ohio to James M. and Edith J. Gowins, James was the youngest of 9 children. From his early childhood James loved cars and everything that revolved around them. He built model cars and racetracks and later did the same with his own children. He worked as an auto mechanic and auto body expert and was highly skilled welder. James was so great at body work that people approached him from out of state to work on their vintage vehicles which were his favorite. He was a big NASCAR fan and often worked on a pit crew at Midvale Speedway in his younger years.

James served in the United States Air Force from 1971 to 1973 at Matagorda Island in Texas where he worked as a mechanic on small planes, was an apprentice pavement maintenance specialist and a Certified Member of the Air Force Traffic Accident Prevention Team. He had a deep respect for the US military which he also instilled in his own children.

His favorite TV show was M*A*S*H which he loved watching with the family dogs. James adored the family dogs and spared no expense when it came to their veterinary care and spoiling them. He was an excellent cook with meatloaf, vegetable soup and chili being his personal specialties.

James is survived by his wife Ellen Gowins, daughter Tammy Gowins, both of the home, his son James Gowins of Smyrna Tennessee; a sister Rebecca Vickers also of New Philadelphia, as well as many nieces and nephews who adored him.

In keeping with James’s wishes cremation will take place through the care Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A memorial service in his honor will be held at a later date.

The family requests that memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.

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