James N. Sowell, Jr., 89, of Fitzgerald, died Friday, December 27, 2013, at Phoebe Dorminy Medical Center in Fitzgerald.
Funeral services will be held 2 PM, Sunday, December 29, 2013, at The Paulk Funeral Home Chapel in Fitzgerald with the Rev. Annette Brooks and Father Lloyd Prescott officiating. Gerald Thompson will give the eulogy. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7-9 Saturday evening at the funeral home.
Mr. Sowell was born July 6, 1924, in Fitzgerald to the late James Newton & Mamie Aline Lott Sowell. He became a master plumber at age 16 and worked for ITT Grinnell in Alabama as well as the Mayport Shipyard in Jacksonville, Florida. Enlisting at age 18, Mr. Sowell served his country honorably in the United States Army. He served in the 627th Combat Engineer Unit helping to build two bridges over the Reich Autobahn. He served under General Hodges and General Patton. Mr. Sowell participated in the D-Day Invasion, Battle of Roer River, Remagen Bridge Head Battle, Battle of the Roer River, and Battle of the Bulge. He landed on Omaha Beach and fought through Germany. Mr. Sowell was a prisoner of war for over a week in Buchenwald and was held until the British liberated the camp. He was a first-hand witness to the horrors of the Holocaust. An avid athlete, Mr. Sowell was a Golden Glove boxer and placed high in Olympic-style competitions in shot put, discus, javelin and hammer throw. He enjoyed playing football in high school and also played baseball at Blue-Gray Park and fast-pitch softball throughout the southeast. He was an avid fisherman and a charter member of St. Peters United Methodist church. He was a former Trustee and member of the Pastor-Parish Relations committee. Mr. Sowell was a City Councilman for the City of Fitzgerald for over 20 years. He was a member of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Tifton, Pine Level Lodge #353, F.& A.M., Hasan Shrine in Albany and served as Past Worthy Patron, Order of the Eastern Star. Perhaps though, Mr. Sowell will be best known for helping to bring Santa Claus to town. Since 1955, “Santa” Sowell visited many children as well as adults sharing the Joy of Christmas. He was an important part of the Annual Christmas Parade until 2011 when health concerns prevented him from attending. Mr. Sowell loved his family but had a special place in his heart for children of all ages.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years: Geneva W. Sowell of Fitzgerald; his children: James N. “Jim” Sowell, III & Margaret of Cascade, Virginia, Alicia S. White of Fitzgerald, Regina S. Prescott & Father Lloyd of Bowling Green, Kentucky, and Connie D. Horn & Jimmy of Fitzgerald; grandchildren: Erick & Stephanie Walker of Fitzgerald, Joy & Steve Matsui of Oceanside, California, Keith & Tabitha Walker of Bowling Green, Kentucky, Mary Helen “Faith” Brown of Cheltenham, England, Brandi & J.D. Pearce of Bowling Green, Kentucky, and Hope & Gabe Henderson of Charlottesville, Virginia; 20 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; brothers: William C. “Bill” Sowell & Marjorie of Fitzgerald, John Arthur Sowell of San Diego, California, and Bob & Doris Sowell of Albany; one sister: Mamie Ruth Ellington & Mickey of Fitzgerald; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother: Homer B. Sowell and a sister: Lois S. Adamson.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials may send them to Shriners’ Hospitals for Children, c/o Hasan Shrine, 1822 Palmyra Road, Albany, GA 31701, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P O Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148.