JOHN “JACK” MOWERS

John Leslie Mowers (“Jack”), age 69, of Oneida, NY left us Saturday December 19th, 2020 at 8: 32am in the Oneida Healthcare Center due to complications associated with pneumonia and several other underlying health conditions.

Jack was born May 29th, 1951 in Oneida, NY to John L. Congdon and Jean L. Ruttan and spent the majority of his life, including his childhood and school years in Vernon, Canastota, Oneida, and Durhamville.

Jack worked at Fritz’s Citgo Garage in Oneida while attending high school. Upon graduation of High School, Jack entered the volunteer draft and served in the United States Marine Corps from 1970- 1972 and was on active reserve through ’ 76, a fourth generation of honorable U. S. military servicemen. During his military service, Jack saw con  icts of Vietnam while supporting ammunition depots throughout the Paci  c, earned the rank of Corporal, and holds an Engineering certi  cate from the USMC training center.

The Marines shaped Jack into the man he would become; an engineer minded, hardworking (“Get it done” kinda guy), entrepreneur, and passionate lifetime supporter of Veterans of Foreign Wars ( VFW), American Legion, and Toys for Tots organizations throughout Madison County.

Upon his honorable discharge, Jack put those hands to use and continued on with his  rst passion, automobile restoration working as a body man at Fera’s Body Shop. Jack would later  nd a second nickname “Bondo” man out of respect for not only his attention to detail to the art of automobile detailing, but also to the quality and time he put into something he loved doing. Several projects would lead Jack to earn certi  cates of quality, awards, and income while drag racing the vehicles he’d place.

Jack’s true passion, which some might refer to it as a calling, comes from at least three generations of small business owners and entrepreneurship, mainly in the restaurant, vending, and bar business. Jack followed suit and purchased the Towpath Inn in ’ 84, in time turning it into what we know today, the iconic “Jacks or Better” in Durhamville, NY. Through this business, Jack created a lifetime of memories, relationships, and a spirit of philanthropy; always wishing to give more than what he could take. Whether it was on the golf course at his beloved KVCC, making rounds to Vernon and Oneida Legions, or simply sitting at his favorite place. Jack was there with a giving hand for a friend, a stranger, a son, a sister, a brother, and most of all – his beloved dogs. Throughout the years with the assistance of Jack’s friend, Jacks or Better earned hundreds of Certi  cates of Appreciation, fundraising awards, hosted numerous rallies, and most of all contributed to his community and any local business he could. Cheers, you did it your way!

Jack is survived by a true friend and partner Laurie Reese of Sherrill, NY, his sisters Lane Montgomery ( Gerald Whitehead) of Whitney Point, NY, Laurie Shaw ( Ralph) of Blossvale, NY, Kathy Klingman of Seattle, WA, Darlene Dole of Lake Worth, FL, and his brother James “JK” Mowers of Oneida, NY, step brother in law Danny Klahs of Durhamville, NY, loving sons John Sowden ( Kelly) of Smith eld, VA and Greg Sowden ( Michelle) of Toano, VA, grandsons Sam, Kelson, Sean and granddaughter Kennedy, and a plethora of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents John L. Congdon and Patricia Koen Congdon, Oscar “Fritz” Mowers and Jean Ruttan Mowers, and infant sister Laurel Congdon. Step siblings include Richard Lynch, Reva Egan, Lawanda Lanz and Joann Klahs.

Jack’s memorial will be held at Glenwood Cemetery Oneida, NY followed by a private family memorial at Stockbridge Hill. Due to COVID 19 restrictions, Celebration of his life and memorial services will be held in the spring or summer of 2021. In lieu of  owers or cards, the family requests you donate in loving memory of Jack Mowers or “Jacks or Better” to any of the following he supported throughout his life;

Toys For Tots ( Madison Co.); https:// canastota- ny. toysfortots.org

American Legion ( Vernon or Oneida); https:// www. members. legion. org/ tal/donatenow# legion- org Animal Humane Society; http:// wanderersrest.org/