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.

McGowan, James B. 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.