Sound Last Post.
Brigadier-General (Retired) James A. Cowan passed away on January 1, 2005 at age 76 after a battle with Lung Cancer. He fought with the same courage and determination that took him so far in life. From humble beginnings as the son of a Toronto Policeman, he grew up during the Depression. At age 13, he started his military career as a Cadet with the 48th Highlanders of Canada in Toronto. On reaching age 18, he became a commissioned officer in the 48th Highlanders and volunteered for the Korean War. He served courageously in combat with the Royal Canadian Regiment of the 25th Canadian Infantry Brigade from 1950-52. Wounded in action by a grenade, the remaining mobile metal fragments in his leg were a source of continuing amusement for his children. After the Korean War in 1953, he was assigned to Canada's last aircraft carrier, HMCS Magnificent, and saw service in the North Atlantic, Mddle East, Panama & Pacific areas. In 1954-56, Jim returned to South-East Asia for peacekeeping duties with the International Truce Commission (Indo-China), serving in Vietnam and Laos. On return to Canada in 1957, he married Betty-June Ballantyne, a Nursing Sister in the Canadian Navy and graduate from the first class of degree Registered Nurses at the University of Toronto. His 39 year military career took him and the family around the world including India, Germany, England, the United States and rarely back to Canada. As a Lieutenant-Colonel, he commanded his beloved 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment in Soest, West Germany from 1968-70. He rose to the rank of Brigadier-General and completed his military career as Director General Reserves and Cadets in 1982 at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa. On retirement, he became Chief Executive Officer and Priory Secretary of St. John Ambulance (Canada). He was made Commander, Order of St. John by the Governor General in 1986. He retired again in 1988, wintering in St. Petersburg, Florida and the summers in Manotick, south of Ottawa. He was an active Rotarian for 30 years. His final battle with cancer started two years ago, eventually necessitating a move to North Bay for family support. Through chemotherapy, radiation and multiple complications he was stoic and unrelenting in his determination to win and survive. "General Jim" is survived by his wife, Betty-June and sons, Ian (Judy) of North Bay and Scott (Denise) of Miramichi, NB. Loved by five grandchildren - Christopher, Samantha, Matthew, Travis and Annie. The family would like to thank the staff at Empire Living Center, his home for the last year. Through difficult times, they were unrelenting in their kindness and compassion. The care of Dr. Joel Carter and the North Bay General Hospital (Emergency, CCU, 3W & 4W Scollard) was second to none. He was lovingly cared for in his final days by the Nurses and staff on 3 East McLaren. A private famfly service is planned. A Military Ceremony and interment at Beechwood National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces in Ottawa is scheduled for the Summer 2005.