James Lynn Sowards

James “Jimmy” Sowards

November 26, 1946 – June 21, 2026

James “Jimmy” Sowards passed away peacefully on Father’s Day, June 21, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 79 years old.

Born in Kentucky on November 26, 1946, Jimmy was one of eight children and the twin brother of Linda. He was raised by his mother, Billie Purcell Sowards, a hardworking Christian woman whose faith, strength, and determination helped shape the man he would become.

Jimmy’s life was a story of perseverance, resilience, and determination. Raised in poverty, he learned early that success would come only through hard work. After proudly serving his country in the United States Navy, he faced a life-changing challenge when he lost his leg at just 21 years old. What could have defeated many only strengthened his resolve.

Refusing to let adversity define him, Jimmy attended barber college and built a remarkable career that would span decades. Known throughout Columbus, Ohio, and especially Grandview Heights as “Jimmy the Barber,” he became one of the area’s most respected barbers and business owners.

Jimmy founded and operated Mane Place Hair Design, growing it into two successful salon locations and creating opportunities for many employees throughout the years. Working with a straight razor, unmatched skill, and an incredible work ethic, he often performed 40 to 60 haircuts a day. His shops became gathering places where friendships were formed, stories were shared, and everyone felt welcome.

To many, Jimmy was much more than a barber. He was a friend, mentor, businessman, and fixture in the community. His reputation extended far beyond the barber chair, and he was known for treating people with kindness, respect, and genuine interest.

Jimmy loved people. He never met a stranger he could not strike up a conversation with. Whether talking with a lifelong customer or someone he had just met, he had a way of making people feel important. He loved sharing stories, making people laugh, and building friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Sports were one of his greatest passions. A devoted Cleveland Browns and Ohio State Buckeye fan, Jimmy possessed an astonishing memory for sports statistics, scores, players, and game history. Family and friends often joked that he knew more than the broadcasters themselves. He could recall games from decades earlier with remarkable detail and never stopped believing he would one day see the Browns win a Super Bowl.

Above all else, Jimmy loved his family. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were his greatest source of pride. He worked tirelessly to provide for those he loved and taught by example what perseverance, loyalty, strength, and determination looked like.

In later years, Jimmy made his home in Brooksville, Florida, where he remained close to family. During his final years, his son Christopher lovingly cared for him, providing comfort, companionship, and support throughout his health struggles. That devotion brought Jimmy great peace and meant more to him than words could ever express.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Shelly Sowards; his mother, Billie Purcell Sowards; his sisters, Lisa Blevins and Sandy Sowards; and his brothers, Russell Sowards and Richard Sowards.

He is survived by his daughter, Melissa Garland and her husband Craig; and his sons, Christopher Sowards and his wife Nicole, and Brian Sowards and his wife Krysta.

He was a proud grandfather to Kylie Bell and her husband Everett, Craig Maxwell “Max” Garland and his fiancée Megan Leone, Bella Sowards, Mateo Rivera, Kali Sowards, Roman James Sowards (Jimmy’s namesake), Brysten, Ava Reyes, and Aaliyah Reyes.

He was also a cherished great-grandfather to Keegan Bell, newborn Weston Garland, and a precious great-granddaughter expected soon.

He is further survived by his twin sister, Linda; his brother, Jeffrey Sowards; and his sister, Donetta Sowards; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, former customers, and countless people whose lives were touched by his kindness.

Jimmy’s life was proof that a person’s circumstances do not determine their future.

Through faith, grit, determination, and hard work, he overcame tremendous obstacles, built a successful business, raised a loving family, and earned the respect of everyone who knew him.

The world lost a remarkable man on Father’s Day. His family lost its hero. His strength, laughter, wisdom, stories, and unwavering love will live on through the generations that follow him.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Details for a Celebration of Life will be shared at a future date.