Roper Funeral Home and Crematory 206 Holly St Jasper, GA 30143 (706) 253-7500 (706) 253-0040 www.roperfuneralhome.com James Edward Cowan, devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend and Korean War veteran, passed away peacefully on Wednesday October 22, 2025 at the age of 94. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 70 years, Virginia Payne Cowan; father, James Welcome Cowan; mother, Opal Hull Cowan; sisters, Louise Still and Marie Moss; brothers. John (JD) Cowan and Thornton Cowan. He is survived by his three children, Daryl Cowan (Greg), Denise Koehl and Anthony (Tony) Cowan (Cathy); grandchildren, Chris, Emily, Elissa and James; and many nieces and nephews. Ed was born in January 1931 in Covington, GA where he spent his childhood years before volunteering for the Army in 1948 and serving his country bravely as a combat veteran of the Korean War. After an honorable discharge from the Army in 1951, Ed moved to Atlanta, GA where he met Virginia. Virginia and Ed married in 1953 and shortly thereafter started their family. Given Virginia and Ed's numerous siblings, their extended family was large, blessing them with multiple nieces and nephews as well as grandnieces and grandnephews. Family reunions were an institution Virginia and Ed lovingly helped organize and hosted for many, many years. They received great joy in spending time with family and friends. Ed had a successful career in the Insurance Industry. After living most of their married life in the metro Atlanta area, Virginia and Ed built a log cabin on Lake Lanier and later moved to Port Orange, FL where they golfed together for several years before returning to Georgia. Virginia and Ed enjoyed traveling and were able to take many trips throughout North America and the world. They thoroughly enjoyed exploring new places while meeting and making new life long friends along the way. Ed will be interned with Virginia in the National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia. Arrangements are entrusted to the Staff of Roper Funeral Home and Crematory.