Jeffrey R. Cowles

WEATHERSFIELD TOWNSHIP – Jeffrey R. Cowles, 55, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, at his home.

Jeff was born Aug. 24, 1971, in Youngstown, a son of the late Foster Jesse Cowles and Hazel J. “Cookie” Lovitz Cowles, and was a lifelong area resident.

He was a 1991 graduate of Girard High School and the Trumbull County Career and Technical Center. Jeff dedicated more than 30 years of his life to a career as a structural ironworker, a trade in which he took tremendous pride. A longtime member of Ironworkers Local 207 in Youngstown, Jeff genuinely loved his work, the camaraderie of his fellow ironworkers and the satisfaction that came from a hard day's work. Known affectionately as “Suge” among his coworkers, Jeff valued the friendships he made throughout his career and was proud to be part of the ironworkers brotherhood.

Jeff was also a member of the Moose Lodge and the Army Navy Garrison. An avid pool player, he especially enjoyed playing eight-ball and nine-ball and participated in numerous pool leagues throughout the Mahoning Valley over the years. He was also a devoted Ohio State Buckeyes football fan and looked forward to cheering on his favorite team. Jeff appreciated life's simple pleasures, whether it was spending time around a fire, casting a line while fishing, firing up the grill, working on cars or simply enjoying the outdoors. Above all, Jeff treasured time spent with his family, and the moments they shared together meant the most to him.

Jeff leaves to forever cherish his memory his wife of nearly 32 years, Jackie Gilbert Cowles, whom he married Oct. 29, 1994; his four children, Tyler Cowles, Brock Cowles, Riley Cowles and Delaney Cowles, all of Weathersfield Township; his beautiful granddaughter, Norah; his brother, Foster Cowles Jr. of Girard; and several nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and celebrate Jeff's life Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1024 Vienna Ave., Niles.

In lieu of flowers, Jeff’s family suggests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to the Ironworkers Local 207 Scholarship Fund, 694 Bev Road, Youngstown, OH 44512. Checks should be made payable to the Local 207 Scholarship Fund.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kinnick Funeral Home in Girard.