Obituaries

Obituary: James McEowen, 81, Longtime Holmdel Resident

McEowen was a PhD in computer engineering who worked at Bell Laboratories for 30 years and took an active role in Holmdel community life.

Editor's note: It is with deep sadness I learn of Jim McEowen's passing. Jim was a sprightly, nimble minded, cordial, super-smart, longtime Holmdel original with history at Bell Labs who contributed opinion and reporting to Holmdel Patch. (Read his blog here.). He spoke his mind at Township meetings, published the monthly "Things and Stuff" newsletter for the Holmdel Half Century Club, reported for the Holmdel Republican Club, participated in veterans' events and delighted in recalling the old days at the Holmdel Historical Society, and more. 

Below is his obituary.

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James Royce McEowen, 81, a resident of Severna Park, died on July 8, 2014 at Brightview in Severna Park.

He was born on June 5, 1933 in Freeport, IL, and raised in Freeport and Claymont, DE. He previously lived in Plainfield, NJ and Old Bridge, NJ before residing in Holmdel, NJ, where he was a longtime resident for over 45 years.

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He received his Electrical Engineering Degree from Villanova, his Masters from New York University and PhD in Computer Sciences from University of Pennsylvania. He was a ROTC scholar and served as Chief Communications Officer on the USS Canberra from 1957-1959.

James worked most recently at RAM Mobile Data (Bell South) as V.P. of Technology in Woodbridge, NJ. He worked  from 1959-1990 for Bell Labs (later at AT&T) at Murray Hill, Holmdel and other Monmouth County locations.

He was a member of the Bell Labs Pioneers, the IEEE and was an active HAM Radio Operator. He served as Treasurer and Recording Secretary for the Holmdel Republican Club.

James is survived by his wife of 56 years, Margaret Anne McEowen of Severna Park; three daughters, Barbara Merrill (Barry) of Durham, NC, Carol McEowen (Tom Klingl) of Bern Switzerland, and Kate McEowen of Kent, Washington; sister, Marybeth Yablonski of Millersville; and five grandchildren, Kate, Molly, Margaret Skye, Arie, and Helen.

Services were held at Barranco and Sons, P.A Severna Park Funeral Home in Severna Park, MD.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, the IEEE Foundation or the Salvation Army.

Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com


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