Jerome LaMar McGowan was born February 4, 1973, in Kansas City, MO to Josephine Daniel McGowan and John McGowan.  He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Bella Hess McGowan of Los Angeles, CA; maternal grandparents, Bertie Daniel of KCMO and Joseph Daniel.

Jerome started his education in San Diego, CA where he was taught reading and math in preschool.  While in elementary school here in Kansas City, he attended the Carver Christian Day School where he continued progressing in math & reading.  He also attended, Smith Hale Jr. High and graduated from Ruskin High School in 1991.  Jerome played Varsity Football and was a member of the Varsity Wrestling Team as well.  He attended the State Wrestling Championships at Central Missouri State College where he participated as a heavyweight contender.  After high school, Jerome worked for United Airlines.  Since he and his buddies could fly anywhere in the world, they used their overtime money to go to China.  While in China, he studied the sport of Ju Jitsu and earned a belt.

Upon returning to Kansas City, Jerome became an employee of the Livers Bronze Company that did custom railing and metal work for big businesses such as malls, casinos and finally helped to professionally finish the large front doors of Union Station.  After Livers Bronze, he worked in management for nine years at Prescription Solution.  Finally he found that his dream job would be photography.  After a short stint with the Kansas City Royals as a photographer, he went into business as a freelance photographer.

On a trip to Branson, he shot many sunrises, sunsets and points of interest in the tourist town.  The tourist bureau approached him for the use of his Branson train/conductor shot.  Throughout the remainder of his chosen career, he attended all cultural and ethnic events at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, major events around town and many, many private events.

He leaves to mourn his passing: his mother, Josephine McGowan of the home; father, John McGowan of Woodbridge, VA; brother, Jason McGowan; aunts, Doris Fountain of Downey, CA and Alice Daniel of KCMO; two uncles, Michael Daniel and Marion Daniel of KCMO along with a host of cousins and friends.

Jerome chose to be an organ donor.  Through this thoughtful and honorable act, he was able to help around fifty (50) people.

Services for Mr. McGowan will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, May 23, 2020, at E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel.  Burial XII Gate Memorial Gardens.  Visitation 9:00 A.M. until service time Saturday at the chapel.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc.