Sowder, James Eugene

James Eugene Sowder, of Blacksburg and Winchester, Virginia and most recently Jacksonville, North Carolina entered God’s eternal glory early on the morning of March 3, 2017.

Jim was a small business owner, community leader, and served his country at home and abroad in the US Army. He was a life member and long time officer of Blacksburg Rescue Squad.

Most importantly he was a husband to Lorena Era Iona Sowder, née Bilyeu; Father to three sons, Brett Alan and wife Donna, Loyd Eugene and wife Karen, and James Adam and wife Sandra; as well as, one daughter Aimee Belinda Elizabeth Sowder and wife Suzanne Gilreath.

Also surviving are six grandchildren, Jarrett Alan Sowder, Anthony James Willard, Jacob McKinley Willard and wife Ginny, Samantha Elaine Sowder, Tedrick Roland Sowder, and Henry Logan Sowder; and one great grandchild Travis Cole Willard.

Jim was born in Hot Springs, VA on July 14, 1942. He was preceded in death by his father the Rev. Eugene Sowder and his mother Annie Mae Sowder, née Lawson.

Family and Friends are invited to gather at McCoy Funeral Home on March 11, 2017 at 11:00 AM in Blacksburg, VA for a memorial service with The Rev. J. Adam Sowder officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Cemetery in Christiansburg, VA.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Blacksburg Rescue Squad, or The American Cancer Society.