James Owen, a longtime bartender on Halsted Street and a fixture in Chicago’s gay leather community, died March 31 following a brief illness. He was 53.

Owen tended bar at Little Jim’s on Halsted for 15 years before taking a leave of absence recently. Prior to working at Little Jim’s, he tended bar for years at the Manhandler Saloon in Lincoln Park.

For more than 20 years Owen was the partner of the late Thom Dombkowski, a Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame member who died almost two years ago. Dombkowski was a co-founder of Chicago House and activist in other Chicago GLBT community groups, notably with Howard Brown Health Center and International Mr. Leather. Friends of the couple said Owen was always in the background lending support.

“James was a great support, not just for Thom, but for all the programs as well,” said activist Lori Cannon.

Cannon said Owen’s death leaves a hole no one can fill on Halsted Street.

“It’s just sad,” she said. “You hear about this loss—he’s someone who was larger than life. Who didn’t know James and his big laugh, his great stories? People enjoyed James.”

Cannon said Owen often lent quiet support to the North Side Grocery Center, popularly known as Groceryland, where she works. The program is a part of Vital Bridges’ support for people living with HIV/AIDS. Beyond that support, Cannon said, Owen was someone people turned to when they needed a friendly face.

“You could go in Little Jim’s and he was always there to fix you a drink, hear you out and make you laugh,” she said. “He was a good guy and may he rest in peace. He deserves it.”

Owen’s family held a private service for him April 5. A public memorial is scheduled at Little Jim’s, 3501 N. Halsted St., April 13 at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Owen’s family has asked that donations be made in his name to the North Side Grocery Center, 5543 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640.

—Gary Barlow