James Middleton Cowan ’40

James Middleton Cowan ’40, of Vero Beach, Fla., and formerly of Macon, Ga., died Dec. 21. He was born in Apex, N.C. on Dec. 28, 1917, to George and Stella Cowan. He attended Mars Hill College, received his B.S. degree in history from Davidson College, and his master’s of education in physical education from the University of North Carolina. He served in the United States Navy in World War II and the Korean War and retired from the U.S. Naval Reserve as a captain. He taught physical education and coached at Mars Hill College and Mercer University, where he also coached men’s basketball and track. After coaching, he was vice president of a large credit life insurance company in Georgia until his retirement. He was inducted into the Mars Hill College Athletic Hall of Fame, the Mercer University Athletic Hall of Fame, and the Macon Athletic Hall of Fame. He was a member and a deacon emeritus of Vineville Baptist Church in Macon. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Grace Funderburk Cowan, 1317 Shoreline Cir., Sebastian, Fla. 32958-8813; two daughters, Kay Clarke and Jamie Lunsford (David); two grandchildren, Dr. Jonathan Sams (Jennifer) and Dr. (Captain) Melinda Sams; and great-grandson, Jonathan Sams, Jr. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Elizabeth Diane Sams.