James Kelly Lowe, Sr.

James Kelly Lowe, Sr. – a beloved son, brother, sailor, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather – surrendered his wish to live longer than his mother when he was called home by his Heavenly Father at the age of 93 on March 26, 2020, at the Landmark Center in Stuart, VA.

James was born in Lynchburg, VA in November 1926 to Harry Nicholas Lowe, Sr. and Susie Maupin Lowe.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Harry Nicholas Lowe, Jr. and Edward Glenn Lowe; his sisters Leola Lowe Parrish and Estelle Lowe Hopkins; his first wife Helen Vernell Paulette, who died prior to their 3rd anniversary; and his second wife and beloved mother of his children, Frances May Parrish, who died prior to their 55th anniversary.

To cherish his memories, James leaves behind two children, a daughter Ann Lowe Fix Puckett (Larry Puckett) and a son James Kelly Lowe, Jr. (Tami Fulton Lowe); four grandchildren, Jason Kelly Fix (Amy Collins Fix), Meredith Fix Terrell (Shae Terrell), James Kelly (“Trey”) Lowe, III, and Micah Fulton Lowe; and three great-grandchildren, MaKayla Lea Fix, Daniel Stephen Fix Terrell, and Savannah Rice Terrell; as well as loving nieces and nephews.

James was sworn into active duty with the U.S. Navy on November 1, 1944, days short of his 18th birthday, and served on the USS LSM(R) 504 Gila River during World War II as a radarman.  He was honorably discharged on July 4, 1946.  During his life, James would spend the majority of his career working for two local automobile dealerships (Amherst Motors and Hammersley Motors) where he worked as an accountant.  He was a long-time member and elder at Memorial Christian Church and was honored to serve communion to the church’s “shut-ins”.  James was a modest man who loved gardening, fishing, feeding the birds and squirrels who frequented his yard, going to the beach, whistling or humming a favorite tune, and, most of all, spending time with his family and friends.  If you ever met James, you could see his joy shining through and many have said his joy had a positive impact on their own lives.

The family is planning a private graveside service at Fort Hill Memorial Park in Lynchburg, VA.  A Celebration of Life Service to honor James will be held at a later date.  The family would like to thank all of the many dedicated health care professionals at the Landmark Center and those with Mountain Valley Hospice who supported him and his family through his final days.  A special thank-you to James’ caregivers who loved him like family – Linda, Donna, and Sonja.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 730 East Church Street, Suite 13 Martinsville, VA 24112 or The Alzheimer’s Association @ alz.org.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.  To send condolences, please visit obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com.