J.T. Cowden, Jr., age 76, of The Colony, Texas, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on March 2, 2026, after a brief battle with cancer.

Born on August 15, 1949, in Dallas, Texas, J.T. was the son of J.T. Cowden and Clyde Imogene (Alsbrook) Cowden. He grew up in Dallas and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School with the Class of 1968.

J.T. built a long career in retail management, working for companies including Sears, Walmart, and JCPenney. Later, enjoying working with youth, he also served the community through his work as a crossing guard with Lewisville Independent School District. Throughout his professional life, he was known for his reliability, work ethic, and the easygoing way he treated everyone he met.

On June 17, 1972, he married the love of his life, Diana (Macki) Cowden. For more than 53 years they built a life together filled with loyalty, laughter, and deep devotion to one another and their family. He was a proud father to Trent Cowden and Jennifer Cowden and was affectionately known by his grandchildren as "Grandpa C," a name that reflected the special place he held in their lives.

J.T. believed strongly in giving his time to others. He coached youth soccer and participated in Boy Scouts, taking genuine joy in encouraging young people and watching them grow. His quiet encouragement and steady presence made a difference in many lives.

Those who knew J.T. remember him as a simple and deeply kind man. He had a natural way of making people feel comfortable and welcome, whether they were lifelong friends or someone he had just met. It seemed that everyone who spent time with J.T. came away liking him.

He enjoyed life's simple pleasures and the company of friends. Many evenings could find him at local gathering places such as The Growler, The Colony Café, or Angelina's—often with a backgammon board in tow and ready for a friendly match. Conversation, laughter, and companionship were things he valued greatly.

J.T. had a wide range of interests and hobbies. He earned a black belt in Shin Toshi karate, enjoyed genealogy and reading, loved to travel, and spent time painting rocks that he shared with others. A lifelong car enthusiast, he took particular pride in his 1974 Barracuda. Whether discussing cars, sharing a beer with friends, or playing backgammon, he appreciated the moments that brought people together.

His friendships were an important part of his life, and he cherished the companionship of Mike Lucky, Ken Massey, Lee Caldwell, David Mars, John Wilson, and Ronnie Pries.

He is survived by his loving wife, Diana Cowden; his children, Trent Cowden (Dusty Glidewell) and Jennifer Cowden (Mark Elvington); and his sister, Diane Coats.

He was preceded in death by his parents, J.T. Cowden and Clyde Imogene (Alsbrook) Cowden.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date, with details to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

J.T.'s life was defined by quiet kindness, loyalty to his family and friends, and the simple joy he found in time spent together. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him and remembered with great affection.

The world is a little quieter without him, but the kindness he shared will live on in the lives he touched.