James Cowan, president of Neutrik USA, passed away on Nov. 5 after a battle with cancer. He was 52.

Cowan worked for Neutrik for 20 years, starting as general manager and later serving as vice president. He was named president in March 2000.

“Jim was a wonderful leader with just the right combination of business skills and personal qualities,” said Werner Bachman, CEO of Neutrik AG. “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.”

Cowan was instrumental in Neutrik’s donation efforts, offering the company’s equipment to organizations and schools, such as Brookfield Academy, La Sierra University and Michigan State University. Cowan was also a member of the Professional Audio Manufacturers Alliance, an organization for senior executives leading the companies that manufacture professional audio products.

He was a philanthropic benefactor to organizations, such as Ocean of Love, which provides help for children with cancer; the ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral sSclerosis, aka “Lou Gehrig’s Disease”) Association; and the Food Bank of New Jersey.

Cowan is survived by two sons, Gregory and Dan, and his wife Kate.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Ocean of Love, 1709 Highway 37 E, Toms River, NJ 08753.

ocean-of-love.org