1939-2026
James G. Cowan, 86, of Reynoldsville, PA, passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2026, while a resident at Christ the King Manor in DuBois, PA. Born October 8, 1939, in Sykesville, he was the son of the late John Cowan Jr. and Olga (Morris) Cowan.
He graduated from Sykesville-Henderson High School in 1957, and studied music at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
He retired from S&T Bank after a 33-year career in banking, which began as a teller at the former Union Banking & Trust Co. in DuBois in 1967. In 1974 he was transferred to Union Bank’s newly opened Reynoldsville Office and was promoted to Assistant Branch Manager in 1978. He was promoted to Assistant Vice-President and Branch Manager in March of 1989. He served in that position until 1998 when he was transferred to the DuBois Office where he served as a Loan and Mortgage Office until his retirement.
He served in the US Army during the Viet Nam era and was 1st chair trumpet player in the 77th Army Band in Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
A lifelong musician, he played in several local dance combos, the American Legion Community Concert Band and the Sounds of Swing until he was forced to retire due to health reasons.
He was a member of the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Reynoldsville and was a member of the Reynoldsville Knights of Columbus since 1958. He held the offices of Grand Knight and Financial Secretary and was elected to be the first Faithful Navigator of the newly formed St. Martin of Tours Forth Degree Assembly in 1980.
He was also a life member of the American Legion in Sykesville and serviced as bugler for both the Reynoldsville and Sykesville Posts for several years.
He was a member of the Sykesville Eagles, DuBois Pulaski, and a life member of the Reynoldsville Elks.
He was an avid Notre Dame fan and made many trips to South Bend to watch his beloved Fighting Irish play.
James is survived by three sons: John J. (Lisa) Cowan of Sykesville, Gregory J. (Laurie) Cowan of Reynoldsville, and Kevin J. (Latrisha) Cowan of Reynoldsville; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, James is preceded in passing by one sister: Shirley Jean “Toodles” Cowan; and a grandson: Kaleb James Cowan.
Family and friends will be received on Friday, January 9, 2026, for a Mass of Christian Burial at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 20 Shaffer Street, Sykesville, PA 15865, beginning at 11am. Military honors will be rendered by the DuBois Area Honor Guard following mass. Final interment will take place at Assumption Catholic Cemetery, Sykesville, Jefferson Co., PA. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Sykesville Public Library, 21 E. Main Street, Sykesville, PA 15865.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Snyder – d’Argy Funeral Home, 206 E. Main Street, Reynoldsville, PA 15851. Online condolences and other information may be found by visiting www.dargyfh.com
