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.
Beyond those organisations with ties to the professional audio community, he was a philanthropic benefactor to organisations such as Oceans of Love, which provides help for children with cancer, ALS Association (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, aka Lou Gehrig's Disease), the Food Bank of New Jersey, among others.
He was also concerned for others and was instrumental in Neutrik's numerous donation efforts, offering the company's equipment to such organisations and schools as Brookfield Academy, La Sierra University and Michigan State University. He was also a member of PAMA (Professional Audio Manufacturers Alliance), an organisation for senior executives leading the companies that manufacture professional audio products.
Werner Bachman, CEO of Neutrik AG and a friend for 20 years, says: "Jim 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 Jim 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 lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ocean of Love, 1709 Highway 37 E., Toms River, NJ 08753. Or by visiting their website at ocean-of-love.org ,P.(Jim Evans)
