Mr. James Vernon Sowders, age 87, of Magnet Cove, died Saturday, January 23, 2021 in Hot Springs.  He was born in McGregor, Texas on May 26, 1933 to the late Donovan Duvon Sowders and Alma Melinda Bartles Sowders.  Reared and receiving his early education in McGregor, Texas and Artesia, New Mexico, he later earned his degree in electrical engineering.  Mr. Sowders worked for Natural Gas Pipeline for over 35 years, serving as an electrical service engineer.  While working in Houston, he worked for Onshore Quality Services implementing OSHA standards.  He was a former member of the Lions Club while living in New Mexico; was a member of the Mainline Hunting Club; the NRA; and had received his lifetime hunting and fishing licenses.  Mr. Sowders was a Presbyterian.  He was a United States Navy veteran of the Korean War.  On July 13, 1954, he married the love of his life, the former Mary Dean Parrish.  She preceded him in death on May 14, 2016.

He is survived by his children, Suzy Sowders Love and James Michael Sowders, both of Magnet Cove; his sister, Dorothy Louise Nelson of Edmond, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Eric Sowders, Louanne Sowders, Marc Ham, and David Ham; and his 12 great-grandchildren, Lucky, Ayanna, Mia, Teagan, Timmy, Daegklen, Olivia, Sophia, Sunny, Meadow, Marc, and Eric; and by 13 nieces and nephews.

Mr. Sowders was also preceded in death by two sons, Charles Donovan "Chuck" Sowders, and David Ray Sowders.

Visitation will be held on Thursday evening, January 28, 2021, from five until seven o'clock at J. A. Funk Funeral Home.

His funeral will be at two o'clock Friday afternoon, January 29, 2021, in the funeral home chapel, with Brother Jeff Efird officiating.  Interment will follow in Magnet Cove Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Marc Ham, David Ham, Dale Irons, William Priddy, James Stinnett, and Clint Hoover.

COVID-19 protocols must be followed, including the wearing of masks and physical distancing.

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