James B. “Coach” McGowan, 69, of 18 Summit Street, Erie, Pa, passed away on September 27, 2013 at Sarah Reed Retirement Center in Erie.
“Jimmy”, born on July 15, 1944 at McKeesport Hospital, was raised in the South Hills of Pittsburgh as an only child, but along side his “siblings” –cousins, Wanda and Harold Pascoe. He graduated in the first class of West Mifflin South High School and later from Edinboro Teacher’s College. Mr. McGowan taught English for over 30 years at Fort LeBoeuf and McDowell High Schools.
During his school years, J.B. developed a passion for sports as he captained or co-captained baseball, basketball, and football teams. “Coach”, devoted to football, went on to coach winning teams at Fort LeBoeuf and McDowell.
He was a lover of hunting and fishing. He forever captured the heart of his adventurous spirit through his novella, Three and A Half Cowboys. Jim resided in Erie for 30 years and previously in Edinboro.
James is preceded in death by his father, Francis “Sonny” McGowan, a WWII pilot killed in action. He is survived by his mother, Mary Belle Caspary McGowan; his children, Jessica, Keely, Danielle and Brady; and four grandsons.
Jimmy, a lover of Hemingway, will certainly celebrate the “clean well lighted place” of Heaven. “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” Psalm 27:1
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home, 306 Erie Street, Edinboro, Pa on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the Edinboro United Methodist Church, 113 High Street, Edinboro, Pa, on Friday at 2:00 p.m.
Memorials may be made to the Fort LeBoeuf High School Football Program, 931 High Street, Waterford, Pa 16441.
Coach was an amazing English teacher. I always loved going to his class every day. He, along with other English teachers for Millcreek, really inspired me to make the decision to become an English teacher after spending time as an engineer. I remember seeing him at Martuccis every Friday when my family would go there to eat. At first it was awkward seeing my former middle school teacher, but then it became more comfortable each visit. He would always ask me how school was going and how many books I read. I’ll miss you Coach and my prayers go out to your family.
Coach McGowan, as David Hanlon first knew him, became a mentor, a co-worker, and a dear friend. Several years ago, Jim called me to say that David was being inducted into the Ft. LeBoeuf Sports Hall of Fame and he was introducing David. To say that his speech was amazing is an understatement. His speech was brilliant and brought me to tears. I thanked him for sharing so many personal experiences. The very next day, he showed up at our house with a book and a copy of the speech. We visited and he shared more stories with my children. He was so thrilled to be in the presence of David’s family sharing his stories. When I think about Coach McGowan, it is this visit that will play out in my heart. I was saddened by his passing and will continue to pray for his eternal peace.
Rest in Peace, Coach. You are a good man that was loved by many. You will be missed.
I am not good with words or writing. There is nothing like high school and the people in our lives that impact us until the end. He will be truly missed! Alot of good memories thanks coach! Lyle Bostick #56 class of 1980!
Coach we are trully glad that we got the pleasure of knowing you. Your smile and your kindness will always be with us. Rest in piece our dear friend.Terri, Gary and Tyler Stalmach
As a nurse at St Vincent’s I was assigned to Coach a number of times as his nurse but it became so much more than that. We learned that he had coached at McDowell while my son played football there. If I was walking down the hall he would yell out at me and I would go in his room to talk with him. I watched Coach struggle and decline but he always had the same friendly attitude. I will miss seeing him but he is at peace and that is a comfort. God bless Coach