James E. Cowan

News

Rob Hughes Nov 7 2008, 6:02pm

Neutrik USA president passes away aged 52

James Cowan, president of Neutrik USA, passed away on November 5 aged 52, following a battle with cancer.

Cowan worked at Neutrik for 20 years, starting out as general manager, before becoming vice president and subsequently being named president in March 2000.

Werner Bachman, CEO of Neutrik and a friend for 20 years, said: “Cowan was a wonderful leader with just the right combination of business skills and personal qualities. But more than that, he was an industry icon and a genuinely caring person who touched everyone with his kindness. He would always take time out to ask how you or your family were doing and looked you in the eye with a true look of concern. He was sincere and never took himself too seriously. No matter how busy Cowan was he always made the time to talk to you, especially at trade shows. He never missed a show until recently. I know he will be sorely missed by an industry he so significantly impacted.”

In addition to running a company, Cowan was instrumental in Neutrik’s charitable donations, offering the company’s equipment to such organisations and schools as Brookfield Academy, La Sierra University and Michigan State University.

Cowan was also a member of PAMA (Professional Audio Manufacturers Alliance), an organisation for senior executives leading the companies that manufacture professional audio products.

Cowan was also a philanthropic benefactor to organisations such as Oceans of Love, which provides help for children with cancer, ALS Association (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's Disease), the Food Bank of New Jersey and others.

Prior to joining Neutrik, Cowan held various positions with such companies as Texas Instruments, Panduit Corp. and Dialight-Kulka-Smith. He received a bachelor of science in marketing and economics as well as a master's degree in marketing from Monmouth University in New Jersey.

Cowan leaves behind his wife Kate and two sons, Gregory and Dan.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ocean of Love, 1709 Highway 37 E., Toms River, NJ 08753, or by visiting the website at: www.ocean-of-love.org.