James P. Cowell

A funeral service celebrating the life of James P. Cowell, age 55, of Newark, will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 21, at Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home with Rev. Mark Katrick officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Kirkersville Cemetery. Friends may call from 1-3 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home, 179 Granville Street in Newark. Jim was born March 27, 1963 in Columbus, Ohio to the late James Marcus Cowell and Elsie May (Bolton) Cowell Willey. He went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at his home. Jim was a quadriplegic for 37 years following an accident at the age of 18. He was a 1981 graduate of Northridge High School and went on to graduate from Wright State University with a Bachelors degree in Education. Jim tutored children in his home and was an author of several books including The Solar Eclipse Murder. He was a fan of motorcycle racing and was also a great motorcycle mechanic. He was a devoted Christian and his family and friends meant the world to him. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Vicki and Jim Lilly; his girlfriend of 15 years, Relna Cornell; his former wife, Connie Cunningham; four step-children; nine step-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, John Howard Cowell. Special thanks to his step-children, Shauna Robinson, Laura Cunningham and Jeremy Cunningham, as well as other caregivers, for their excellent care over the years.Memorial contributions may be made to LEADS, 159 Wilson Street, Newark, OH 43055. Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home is honored to care for Jim and his family.