Jim Owen grew up in Camanche, Iowa, in the 1940’s and 50’s. Graduating from Clinton High School in 1955, he then joined the United States Air Force for five years. He served in the Middle East and California during those years.
Jim married Wilma Behr of DeWitt in 1957. They had two boys, Jim in 1959 and Mike in 1964. Both of Jim’s sons and his wife graduated from Central DeWitt High School.
A position at Iowa Mutual Insurance Company in 1966 was the beginning of his tenure in DeWitt. Jim worked his way up the ladder finally attaining the Presidency and CEO position in 1996. Volunteering and enjoying sports has always been a part of Jim’s life. He volunteers for many organization but spent many years with LincolnWay Community Foundation while enjoying golf as much as possible.
Jim learned early that in life “you learn, you earn and then you return “to the community. Thus, Jim has set up many endowments that continue to give back to his community
Realizing the importance of future education, Jim and his family set up this scholarship. Jim gains much satisfaction in assisting students in building their future.