Jay Ralph Sowden

Most people who knew him had no idea his name was actually Anthony, a name given to him at his baptism. In fact, his own son didn't even learn his legal first name until he was seven years old. To everyone who loved him, he was simply Jay or AJ, a man defined by a brilliant mind, a hard-working spirit, and a deep, creative soul.

Jay, age 64, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2026, at UnityPoint Hospice - Taylor House in Des Moines, Iowa, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Rock Springs, Wyoming, on December 8, 1961, Jay was the son of William Henry Sowden and Nellie Nadine Grandia. He grew up in Ottumwa, Iowa, as one of nine children in a household guided by his devoted Catholic mother. After losing his father when Jay was just a teenager, the siblings stepped up to help raise one another. That shared strength forged a deep, lifelong devotion among the brothers and sisters, a bond rooted in loyalty, resilience, and caring for family above all else.

Jay settled in Des Moines for his adult life, where his natural talent for problem-solving flourished. He possessed one of the sharpest engineering minds you could find, always building, fixing, or inventing something. Over a dedicated 30-year career as a master tradesman with Sheet Metal Workers Local 45 and IATSE, Jay worked as a union sheet metal worker, ran his own HVAC business, and worked behind the scenes as a rigger and stagehand. He took immense pride in everything he touched, living by a simple and uncompromising standard: do it right the first time. In his free time, that hands-on ingenuity and pride in craftsmanship turned into art. He loved crafting unique metal artwork, almost always with music playing in the background.

Jay lived life to the fullest and had a wide range of passions. In his younger years, he was happiest on an adventure, whether hitting the slopes on a pair of skis, scuba diving underwater, or taking off to explore new places. He also found great joy closer to home in gardening and cultivating flowers. Nothing brought him more simple comfort than a sweet treat, a lifelong sweet tooth he held onto right until the end, and spending quality time with his beloved dog, Peaches.

Jay's pride and joy were his family. He is survived by his sons, Matthew Sowden (Jodi) and Tyler Sowden; his cherished grandchildren, Reighlee Sowden and Vivienne Sowden; his siblings, Mary Vaught, Patricia Aalbers, Ron Sowden (Vickie), Paul Sowden (Melissa), and Melody Wiedmann; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Henry Sowden and Nellie Nadine Grandia; his brothers, William Sowden and Robert Sowden; his sister, Theresa Nine; and his brother-in-law, Rick Vaught.

Jay's ingenuity, artistic spirit, and fierce devotion to doing things right and loving his family well will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

A celebration of Jay's life will be held at a later date.