A fine man has passed on. James C. Gowe was born and raised in Medina and though he loved to travel, he was always proud to call Medina his home. He was a 1968 graduate of Medina High School and a 1972 graduate of The Ohio State University, his favorite class was one that was taught by Woody Hayes. Always a self-starter, Jim founded 620 Construction, a commercial and industrial construction company. He then created Gowe Leasing, Ltd. to fill a need he saw for commercial rental space in Medina. During his career, Jim was privileged to work with some of the finest craftsmen and subcontractors in the area. He felt honored to call them friends.

Jim was most proud of the relationship he had with his daughters, Laura, and Stacey. Raising them to adulthood was both an honor and a privilege. Most of the time, it was even a joy! Jim was a lover of roads less traveled. He was always ready for a road trip and was most happy when he could include a convertible with the top down, family, friends, and a dog or two. If, along the way, he spotted a Krispy Kreme shop with the red light flashing, the trip was perfect. Along the road, Jim would humor you with his funny stories that were usually at his own expense.

Jim's favorite place in this world was affectionately called "The Farm". Sharing the farm with family and friends for bon fires, camping, fishing or picnics gave him great pleasure. He would hop on a tractor and mow for hours, stopping only for a bite of lunch, to greet a neighbor or give a grandchild a ride. Neither darkness nor an accidental slide into the pond would stop him. He was happiest tinkering in his shop or hauling manure which accumulated daily from the myriad of farm animals belonging to his children and grandchildren. He was so proud of his granddaughters who are growing into talented equestrians and his grandson who's a champion "mutton-buster". He already knew his newest grandchild, who shares his middle name, was destined to be a great farm hand! He had big plans to harness his unending energy to plant more of his beloved trees.

He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy (Cunningham) Gowe; daughters, Laura (Rigo) Gowe, Stacey (Bret) Gowe-Burba; beautiful grandchildren, Maylie, Zoey, Austin, Jade, Liam, and Kane. He is also survived by his sister, Jacquelyn (Gowe) Kehnle; niece, Jamisen (Aaron) Midcap; grandniece, Vega; grandnephew, Jaden; brother-in law, Rodger Post and sister-in-law, Patricia (Cunningham) Post; cousins, John Francis, Jr. and Rebecca Krans; along with many special friends and neighbors.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Neil R. Gowe and Jo Ann (Deibel) Gowe; brother-in law, Jeffrey Kehnle; cousins, Stephen and John Francis, and Doug and Don Gowe.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any of the following organizations: Feeding Medina County, The Children's Center of Medina County or Birthcare of Medina County.

A public celebration of Jim's life will be held at Gowe Farms in West Salem, this coming June, with the date yet to be determined.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.waitefuneralhome.com

To keep his memory alive, the family would love for you to share any stories about Jim that you might have. Please send them to The Gowe Girls, c/o 620 E. Smith Rd., E-1, Medina, OH 44256.

Thank you.