James "Ace" McGowan completed his earthly journey on Thursday April 26, 2012 at Genesis Medical Center, Illini Campus, Silvis, IL. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 1, 2012, 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Sullivan-Ellis Mortuary, Ltd., East Moline, with services Wednesday, May 2, 2012, 11:00 a.m., also at the funeral home. Rev. P. Wonder Harris will officiate. Burial is in Hampton Township Cemetery.
James was born March 22, 1941 in Crystal Springs, MS to Leodia and Bessie (Whalum) McGowan. He was one of nine children. He graduated from Crystal Springs High School in 1960 where he excelled in sports, especially in basketball where he received the nickname "Ace". He moved to the Quad Cities area in 1965.
He married Louella G. French on September 10, 1971 and was married for 35 years when she preceded him in death on November 8, 2006. He was a welder at East Moline Metal Products and retired after 38 years of service. He enjoyed gardening, watching CNN, old westerns and sports. He was an avid golfer and was a fan of the Yankees, Colts and the Boston Celtics. He was also a fan of the United Township Basketball team for the past 40 years. James particularly loved spending time with his grandchildren who were his pride and joy.
James leaves to cherish his memory daughters Stacie French, Rock Island, IL. Nicole (Gary) Madison, Silvis, IL. Grandchildren Damon Overton, Derryl Overton, and Taylor French all of East Moline, IL. Brothers William and Tom McGowan both of Moline, IL. Leodia McGowan Jr., Brooklyn, NY, sister, Lillian Eubanks, Atlanta, GA, sisters-in-law Mae French, East Moline and Beverlee Christopher, Los Angeles, CA. brothers-in-law, Cherokee (Lydia) French, Missouri, Bruce French, East Moline, IL, Eugene (Gladys) French, Los Angeles, CA, aunt Evelyn Anderson, East Moline, IL. Special nieces Bridget ONeal and Emily Eubanks both of Atlanta, Ga and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews and special friends Joe and Almeda Carmichael and Faye Abram. He is preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife Louella, and sisters Ann Dixon, Cleo McGowan, and Edna Godfrey.
Date Of Visitation
May 1, 2012 at 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Date Of Service
May 2, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.
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