Roll Call Tribute

James Scott McOwen, DVM Lt. Col. USAF (Ret) 

May 13, 1939 - February 11, 2025 

James Scott McOwen, DVM, Lt. Col., US Air Force, Ret., loving and faithful husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully after a prolonged illness on February 11th, 2025. Born in Columbus, Ohio to the late Dr. James Allison McOwen and Mary Sumption McOwen, Scott was a proud resident of Delray Beach, Florida for more than 70 years.

Scott began his formal education in Sunbury, Ohio. He later attended Seacrest High School (now known as Atlantic), graduating with the class of 1957. After spending a year of post-graduate school at Fork Union Military Academy in Fork Union, Virginia, Scott attended Texas A&M for his undergraduate education before heading to Ohio State University where he earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1965.

Scott met his beloved wife, Mary Jane White, in 1963 at the Presbyterian Manse in Delray Beach, located directly behind the house they later purchased and have lived in for the last 55 years. Scott and Mary enjoyed many happy years of shared adventure and mutual devotion, visiting many countries, along with exploring many cities and places here at home. They shared a love of music from singing in the choir together to Scott helping Mary host her piano recitals and execute her Palm Beach County Music Association duties. They shared a love of the outdoors, growing roses together and creating a tropical paradise of fruit trees and orchids in their yard. Scott often took the flowers from their garden to neighbors and local friends.

Scott attended veterinary school during the Vietnam War Era and was drafted into the Air Force just before graduation. He and Mary were married in 1965 before being sent to Great Britain where Scott served with the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing until 1969, caring for the military sentry dogs, among other duties. Scott continued serving in the Air Force reserves and retired in 1999, having attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

After completing his military service, Scott joined his father’s practice at Seacrest Veterinary Center in Boynton Beach. He had a successful career, retiring in 1996. He specialized in canine dentistry, developing several procedures for crowns for police K-9 dogs and braces for show dogs, and was the President of the American Veterinary Dental Society for many years.

Dr. McOwen served his country, community, church, and family with selfless devotion. He dedicated himself to the Sandoway House Nature Center in Delray Beach, serving as the center’s unpaid animal doctor, wildlife educator and board member for over 20 years. He was instrumental in bringing soccer to Delray in the early 1970s. He was an active member of the Kiwanis Club and supporter of Atlantic High School. He will be remembered by many for his zest for life and his love of people and animals.

Scott was a faithful servant of Seacrest Presbyterian Church in Delray Beach where he served in many capacities such as elder, deacon, choir member, and Sunday School teacher. He volunteered in local schools, sharing his love of science, to encourage students to take an interest in science and the world God created.

Scott would drop everything for his children and grandchildren, driving long distances to be by their side. He loved nothing better than taking them fishing, exploring the beach, or watering Sir Speedy at the Sandoway House, followed by a stop at Dunkin Donuts for a treat.

In addition to his devoted wife, Mary, he leaves behind his cherished children, Stephen Scott McOwen and his wife Sallie of Cary, NC and Sarah Jane McOwen Vincenzi and her husband Chris of Kennesaw, GA.

He was a proud grandfather to his five beloved grandchildren; William, Tom, and Sam McOwen and Chandler and Caitlin Vincenzi. He is also survived by his dear sisters Beth McOwen of Charlotte, NC and Pam McOwen Langham and her husband Tom, of Georgetown, TX along with many nieces and nephews who will fondly remember his warmth and kindness.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his beloved brother Keith McOwen.

A Military Burial will be held in March at the South Florida National Cemetery, 6501 S. State Road 7, Lake Worth, FL 33449.