Such a fine man. Went to Garfield, 64', and lived across the street. I learned much.
Margaret, Neil, Jeff, Doug Kacena
JR Kacena
December 13, 2016
So many years.k-6. at Garfield when I enjoyed being a student of Mr.O. Growing up same school district and general neighborhood as the Owaras I was in school with Kris and Karl. each being just a few years different in age than I, to you my old friends i am sorry for your loss. This past year or so I was pleased to see Mr. and Mrs. Owara coming to my place of employ. A few months ago was last visit and the whole time Mr. O was cracking joke after joke ,smiling and smiling. I was very touched by the wife's great caring for her beloved husband. May you find peace and comfort. Many , many children growing up were influenced by his caring, kindness and humor. his light sent out many sparks into this world.
marilee reinertson torres
December 14, 2016
Jim and Pat are good friends of ours and our family. He will be TRUELY missed.
Kyler Soukup
December 14, 2016
One of the greatest teachers I ever had and one of the best men I ever knew. He always had time for everyone. Even when I would see him in the mall making origami for kids his face would light up when he saw me and we would talk for quite a long time about life and his family. One of the highlights of my life was in third grade we had gone to play an intermural basketball game against another school. I was not really an athletic sort, but during that game had made one shot from the outside. On the bus ride back he made me feel like a superstar going on about that shot. My condolences to the family. He will be missed.
Stan Pfoff
December 14, 2016
you where my teacher and my friend...even tho i was a child you treated me with dignity and respect...my time at garfield was made better by you...i wouldnt be half then person i am today if it wasnt for you...good bye mr o....
ashley rainville
December 14, 2016
Mr Owara was one of those special teachers that brought out the best in his students whether in the classroom or the field of play. As we like to say, he made a difference in his students lives. He was a man with a kind soul and an enthusiasm for all he did. My condolences to Pat and the family.
Michael Steitzer
December 14, 2016
Mr. Owara was truly one of the best teachers I've ever had. He was a friend to all, made school fun and interesting and was certainly one of the finest people I've ever met. My sincere condolences to his family.
Kirk Hiland
December 14, 2016
Mr. Owara was a kind and influential teacher. Even though its been about 55 years since I was lucky enough to be one of his students I have nothing but fond memories of this gentle and wonderful man. Cedar Rapids has lost one of its best.
Harry Johnson
December 14, 2016
Mr Owara was one of my most memorable and favorite teachers. Mr Owara was one of the many reasons Garfield Elementary School will always be the best school I attended. Truly a sad loss. Peace and Comfort to his family & friends.
Janie Johnson Thomson
December 14, 2016
I met Jim and Patty at Coe College 1970, they help make those four years very remember-able. Jim was a quite force willing to listen and giving advise only when asked. A gentle soul who will be sorely missed. My prayers and peace to Patty, the boys, family and friends. God bless Jim.
Andy Fairlie
December 14, 2016
I was one of the many, many students passing through Garfield Elementary over the years Mr. O taught there. He was tough, he was fair and he was caring and I admired him greatly. What a legacy he leaves with how many lives he enriched. Thank you, Mr. O.
Tim Smith
December 14, 2016
Jim Owara was one the finest men I have ever known! Forever kind, thoughtful and giving to all who crossed his path! He touched so many people in so many ways. Rest In Peace, your memories for me will live forever!
Joe McGillicuddy
December 14, 2016
Patty, Karl and Kris, I am so sorry to hear about Jim, what a great guy. You were so kind to have Kevin and I for dinner on Sunday nights while I attended Coe, the teriyaki was awesome. Karl was our ball boy and Patty kept us on the straight and narrow from the Athletic Office, and all of you never missed a game. Please know, Jim will be remembered by me and my prayers go out to all of you. Barrie
Barrie Ernst
December 14, 2016
Dear Pat and family, I am so sorry to hear about Mr. O passing. I know that you have been neighbors to my parents for years; but he was one of my favorite teachers at Garfield and will always be Mr. O to me. He was always so kind and some of my happiest memories from Garfield has Mr. O in them. He touched so many. I feel lucky to have known him. Sincerely, Amy (Gochenouer) Gardner
Amy Gardner
December 14, 2016
So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I worked with Jim at Nixon. He was so great with the kids. Always kind and thoughtful. His origami frog (a retirement gift to each of us) sits in my printer's box as a constant reminder of his wonderful character. Many your memories sustain you in this difficult time.
Marge
December 14, 2016
Dear Family, we are sorry for your loss. I have only fond memories of Mr. "O", as my three children called him during their elementary years at Garfield. James also was responsible for the school patrol program and helped supervise students who served in that role. It was a great responsibility learning opportunity. His kindness to students was never overlooked. Cathy
Loren and Cathy Jansa
December 14, 2016
Dear Pat. Sons and families,
My sincere condolences on the demise of your husband. May he rest in peace. May fond memories sustain all of you in the days ahead.
Pat, we both worked at Coe College, you in the Athletic Dept. and I In Chemistry. My husband and I attended basket ball games at Eby with Jim as referee and your boys were in attendance too helping the athletes. Great memories indeed. Norbe
Norbe Birosel Boettcher
December 14, 2016
Pat and Sons,
I was very sorry to read your news this morning. Pat, you and Jim were always so upbeat when Nance and I were students @ Coe. The two of you taught by example. We wish you strength during this difficult time.
Jack Evans
December 14, 2016
Patty...Barrie text me a few hours ago...our condolences to you and your family....what a fine man and what a great life he lived....you two where a very important part of those college years....I still think about them....take care patty ...our thoughts and prayers
Kevin kkiley
December 14, 2016
I'm guessing it was 1966-67 when I arrange (with Mrs. Owara's and my parents help) a birthday party for Mr. Owara at his house. We had two cakes, one was really a sponge with trick candles that wouldn't blow out, and one was a real cake. As a 10-11 yr. student Mr. Owara was my first role model/hero outside of my family. I'm 62 now, and I still do and always will think of him with the highest of respect. My sincere condolences to the entire family, and all of his former students. Steven C. Long
Steven C. Long
December 14, 2016
Mr. Owara was a gentle, kind soul!
I taught with him at Grant & I was always greeted with the great Mr. O smile each day and sometimes a gift of origami.
After he retired I was lucky enough to see him doing his daily trek around the neighborhood greeting all he met with his famous smile! What a great guy!
Jan Rilett
December 14, 2016
Garfield was my school from 1958-65 and Mr Owara became an important role model for me and so many of my classmates. I have thought about him frequently since then, and have come to realize how very lucky we all were to have him. He was a strong, vital and good man.
Alan Creel
December 14, 2016
Mr Owara was always so encouraging to me as a student at Garfield Elementary. He was truly an influence in my life in believing in me as he believed everyone would, and could, find their special talent and place in life. I am thankful to have had him push me to try and climb those awful ropes in gym class - it gave me the confidence to always try whatever throughout my entire life. My sincere condolences to the entire family but rejoice in the thought that he touched the lives of so many.
Susan Peterson Moulder
December 14, 2016
I am so saddened by your loss, I was a student at Garfield elementary and Mr Owara was the kindest and gentlest teachers and so respected. In adult life I would run into him occasionally, I HAD to say Hi, always the gracious gentleman, Ironically we shared the same Chiropractor and dentist I would find his beautiful origami in the office waiting room, which I still have one of his pieces!!! I pray for your comfort and am grateful to have known such a wonderfully kind man....
Pam McCurley Stiers
December 14, 2016
Mr Owara was always so encouraging to me as a student at Garfield Elementary. He was truly an influence in my life in believing in me as he believed everyone would, and could, find their special talent and place in life. I am thankful to have had him push me to try and climb those awful ropes in gym class - it gave me the confidence to always try whatever throughout my entire life. My sincere condolences to the entire family but rejoice in the thought that he touched the lives of so many.
Susan Peterson Moulder
December 14, 2016
Karl, Mrs. Owara, Kris and family,
Heartfelt condolences. I'll miss the origami dollar-bills sitting on the counter after a visit from Mr. & Mrs. Owara at the store. Warm wishes & prayers.
Steve, Megan & Herman Ginsberg
Steve Ginsberg
December 14, 2016
Mr. Jim Owara was one of the nicest & fairest official you would ever meet & was also just a great person. He always did a great job for our volleyball games at St. Ludmila
Bob Bartosh
December 14, 2016
Jim was wonderful at Garfield that after Elementary school years later he walked into my job at village inn one look and I know it was Jim it was really nice to see him again he always had a nice smile I will really miss you Jim Pat I am so sorry for loss
pebble kelley
December 14, 2016
Mr. Owara was the PE teacher at Garfield when my daughter went to school there. She was profoundly deaf and Mr Owara was always sp positive with all students. Thank ou for you great care. So sorry for your loss.
Cindy Glynn
December 14, 2016
As a young child, I watched the Ogara's home being built. I had Mr. Owara at Garfield Elementary like many have already commented here. He was truly an inspiration to all of us and taught us to respect ourselves. He was a kind man, but could certainly push you to climb those ropes (at that time I had very skinny arms that wouldn't get me to the top. He just kept encouraging me until I was finally able to do it!). Mrs. Owara and your sons, my sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers are being sent to you.
Judy Kaul Soukup Waggoner
December 14, 2016
Patsy, You may not remember me, but I am Wally Gjerde"s daughter. We are sorry to learn of Jim's death. He was a very nice man and he was so good to our boys when they were little. You and Jim introduced them to teriaki, which became a family favorite. You may not know that my little brother Jon died of a heart attack at the age of 56, just like my dad. He was Dean of Humanities at Berkeley at the time of his death. Our most sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Carole Gjerde Gauger
December 14, 2016
What a kind gentle soul... I was scoring middle school volleyball games when I met Mr. Owara and he was officiating the games. He would make origami figures before the games began and he'd give them to the players and me. I have a small bag full of his creations that I treasure to this day... I am so sorry for your loss.
Terri
December 15, 2016
From teaching to officiating to family Mr. Owara has been in so many people's heart! I remember him volunteering to come to Regis to teach students oragami. I first met Mr. Owara at the offices of Coe College. He had a smile on his face every time. That is 44 years of warmth. Thank you, Mr. Owara!
May the Peace of the Lord be with You.
Rick Blackwell
December 15, 2016
Many years ago, my family was standing in line at Younker's to check out; sometime during the Xmas season. Behind us was a kind looking gentleman who was fiddling with an origami figure - Mr. Owara. We had never met - and never met again after this one time. But the memory of talking to him has stuck with me since then and as soon as I saw his pic and that he loved origami, I knew who it was. He was a wonderful man, and I wish we had had the opportunity to get to know him better. Best wishes to his family.
Doug G
December 15, 2016
Mr. O was the best PE teacher ever. Always positive, upbeat, and encouraging. He was all about trying your best, enjoying physical fitness, and good sportsmanship, and he was always smiling. Not only did I have him as a student, but so did most of my kids; we were all blessed to have known him.
My deepest condolences.
Cathy Wymore Soukup
December 15, 2016
Our sympathies on your loss. We lived in the neighborhood and our younger children were friends with Kris while our oldest son did some work with Mr. Owara. Our families shared Japanese heritage and we will always remember the kind Owaras. Blessings as you grieve.
Hollingsworth family
December 15, 2016
My deepest sympathy on the loss of a very special man, husband, father, grandfather, and teacher. It has been over 50 years since I had Mr. Owara for PE. To this day, I have fond memories of him and playing dodge ball in his class and after school. He has remained one of my favorite teachers throughout my entire life. As many have mentioned, both here and on the Garfield site, Mr. Owara was a wonderful role model who obviously cared about and encouraged his students. I am holding you all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. May you find some sense of comfort and peace from the love of the many people he has touched and had a positive affect on. May he rest in peace.
Cherian Steitzer Lautermilch
December 15, 2016
Patty, Kris & Karl,
I remember working college volleyball matches with Jim when we first moved to town. What a gentleman and always a gentle man. And what a treat when we moved into the neighborhood and got to see Jim and Patty out for walks. I'm sure you will miss him immensely. Please know he and all of you will be in my prayers. He touched many, many people. I hope you will always have wonderful memories with which to cherish him. God Bless. Kevin
Kevin Duggan
December 15, 2016
Jim was a special human being. A very giant of a gentle man. Always gracious; always polite. He and I were volleyball officiating partners for many years. When we walked into a gym for a volleyball match, the kids and coaches lit up because they had the origami man and his sidekick. Memories of Jim will be everlasting. My prayers to you, Pat, and all of your family.
Jan Duffy
December 16, 2016
Our condolences to the Owara family. Jim was a wonderful person and I will always remember his visits to the Coe Athletic office - I still have his oragami on my desk! Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers!!
John Chandler
December 16, 2016
Mr. O was a quintessential teacher. It was my privilege to be his colleague in the mid 1970s at Garfield Elementary School. May God hold Jim in the palm of His hand.
Mary Ann Flanagan
December 16, 2016
To The Owara Family: Just recently I had seen Mr. Owara out in the community. I thought he looked familiar and stopped him on the street to let him know I was in his homeroom class, and PE class. And, then to read of his passing. So many years, yet in seeing him brought back so many memories as if it were yesterday. A gentle giant. I hold all of you in prayer.
Barb Buchanan
December 16, 2016
Patti: I'm so sorry to hear of Jim's death. He was such a good person. I have several of his origami pieces and will treasure them. Alice
Alice Davidson
December 16, 2016
Patti: I'm so sorry to hear of Jim's death. He was such a good person. I have several of his origami pieces and will treasure them. Alice
Alice Davidson
December 17, 2016
patsy and boys, we are truly saddened by jims passing. We will forever miss seeing him at the kitchen table at night when we would glance down at your house from ours. You have been such wonderful neighbors and hope you know we are here for you. Much love from the Mullen family
Cathy Mullen Coyne
December 17, 2016
I feel it was a real privilege to know Jim. He was such a gentle man and always had a smile in his face. He lit up the gym when he came to officiate our volleyball matches. I had such respect for him . I will always have positive memories of Jim-he touched many lives. Former Kennedy Volleyball Coach-Rose Elvidge
Rose Elvidge
December 18, 2016
To The Owara Family: Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family. Jim was a wonderful person. I still have the origami of when I came to visited you both when I went to Coe College. The Villavicencio Family
Robin Gaffke Villavicencio
December 19, 2016
Pat and Family,
As one of his first students at Garfield, I just wanted to offer our thoughts and prayers as well as heartfelt thanks for the chance to see a true teacher in action. He really made a difference. I still remember the first day he drove the red Corvair into the parking lot...
Our Deepest Sympathies
Neil Kacena
Neil Kacena
December 21, 2016
Belated condolences to you Mrs. Owara, Kris, Karl, spouces and grandchildren for the recent loss of James Owara. Please remember that the apple does not fall from the tree. There were many apple trees near that corner of Elmhurst, Prairie and Maplewood NE. God Bless. Thoughts and prayers.
Thomas F. Marshall
January 7, 2017
A correction from my previous message. The apple does not fall far from the tree. My apologies.
Thomas F. Marshall
January 7, 2017
The Rexroat family has fond memories of Mr. Owara’s presence at Garfield in the classroom and in the gym, and as a neighbor. He and I used to have kind of an inside joke about the differences in our height, as in 5th grade I was the tallest kid in school. His kindness was unsurpassed. I’ve carried him in my heart for over 60 years.
Love and peace, Debra
Debra Rexroat
November 9, 2024