James Buford Owen, Sr.



James Buford Owen, Sr. at 94 years of age died peacefully on Friday, July 12, 2013 at Stella Maris in Timonium. He was predeceased by his bride of 71 years, Dorothy Hilton Owen, his parents Stephen and Mary Owen, and 9 siblings of which he was the youngest. He lived and worked in Havre de Grace.

Mr. Owen is survived by his sons James B. Owen Jr. and his wife Evelyn; Stephen E. Owen and wife Carol; and a daughter Laurie O. Thoner and husband Tom Thoner. Six grandchildren Jeffrey B. Owen and Nicholle Mogavaro; Brian and wife Kaymie Owen; Melinda Owen and fiancé Kevin Keheller; Marcus and wife Stephanie Thoner; Jamie Gullet and wife Yedith; and Sherry Wood. Ten great-grandchildren: Olivia Young, Tyler, Makayla and Carlee Thoner, Nelia Keheller, Hailey, Kelly (and soon Emily) Gullett, and Annabel and Daniel James Owen. Also numerous nieces and nephews.

For 55 years Mr. Owen owned and operated The Owen Realty Company. In addition to helping others buy and sell properties, he and his wife personally bought and sold 300 individual homes. They developed several tracks of land both on their own and at times with partners. They later bought and owned over 300 rental properties.

After serving in the Army in World War II, Mr. Owen returned home and worked for the federal government as the manager of 7 postwar housing projects totaling 1,300 units. In addition to managing this housing staff, he oversaw the construction of new buildings. Later, he managed units in the private sector and then bought Concord Fields, a 247 unit complex. From 1964-1991, Mr. Owen held various positions at the Columbian Bank including Director, Vice-President, President and Chairman of the Board. In the early 1960’s and a group of Realtors saw a need to have a standard of practice for real estate in Harford County, so they formed and became the charter members of what is now the Harford County Board of Realtors. Bill, as he was known, attended the University of Baltimore on scholarship for Journalism, the Baltimore Business College for Accounting.

While building his business and family, he and his wife centered their lives around the First Baptist Church in Havre de Grace where he was a Deacon and Treasurer. They enjoyed family parties in their pool, weekends at their condo in Ocean City, Saturday night card games and dinners out with friends.

James Owen was highly respected for his kind nature and fair business practices. He was known for his superior intellect, humor, and humble gentle nature. He will be remembered most, not for his many accomplishments, but for the special way he made you feel in his presence.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 25, 2013 from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM, at the Zellman Funeral Home, P.A., 123 South Washington Street, Havre de Grace, MD 21078. Funeral services will begin at 12:00 PM. Pastor Ron Smith will officiate. Along with flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to First Baptist Church, 120 South Stokes Street, Havre de Grace, MD 21078.

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