Jimmie grew up in Spearman, Texas, the son of a farmer/rancher. He spent more time in the saddle and behind a plow than he'd like to remember. Graduating from high school in 1965, he attended two years at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas playing football there one year. Then he transferred to Texas A & M, College Station, Texas where he received a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science in 1969 and his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1972.

Dr. Ownbey moved to Vinita in 1973 with Susan, his high school sweetheart, and their two children Tim and Liz. His third child, Sara arrived in 1982, the only "Okie" of the family. Tim has 2 boys and 2 girls, Liz has 2 boys and Sara is expecting her 1st in January.

He is most proud of his wife, Susan, teaching math at the middle school; his son Tim, a graduate of OSU School of Osteopathic Medicine, board certified in Neurology, living in Albuquerque, NM. His daughter Liz, living in Tulsa, has a B.S. in nursing from OU and a masters in Business administration. His daughter Sara, who lives in Edmond, has a B.S. from OSU in Microbiology and is a graduate from OSU School of Osteopathic Medicine. Sara is doing her year of residency in family practice in Oklahoma City.

While in Vinita, Jimmie co-founded Hope Vineyard Church in the mid 80's.

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