John Otto Low, MM2, USS Knox FF-1052 “The First & Finest”
A proud veteran of the United States Navy, John passed away on November 26, 2025, at Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center surrounded by family and friends. Born on March 27, 1968, John was the beloved son of the late Gayle Borders Low and Larry Oscar Low.
From a young age, John embraced the joys of childhood, spending countless hours with his siblings and neighborhood friends. A dedicated athlete, John was a year-round competitive swimmer with the Asheville Albacores and proudly represented TC Roberson High School’s swim team for four years.
After graduating from TC Roberson High School, and leaving behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and adventure, he made the decision to serve his country. John enlisted in the US Navy, where he served as a Machinist’s Mate aboard the USS Knox (FF-1052). During his time on the USS Knox, John operated, maintained, and repaired the ship’s propulsion and auxiliary systems, including engines, power generation, and refrigeration equipment.
John was awarded a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with Bronze Star and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. After his honorable service, John transferred to the Naval Reserve.
After his service, John became a California licensed contractor. He continued to expand his knowledge on boiler systems and started his own company, Blueridge Technology, Inc., where he was Owner and President. The company focused on large boilers, hot water systems and steam fittings. A disabled veteran, John most recently contracted with the VA Medical Center in West LA. There, he was responsible for serving hospital employees, veterans, and their families ensuring the boiler systems were operational for critical hospital needs.
Disciplined and structured in his approach, John was deeply committed to his company, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and friends alike. His positive spirit and dedication left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of working with him. He was often heard saying, “We’ve gotta try, right?” - a testament to his determination and refusal to give up, no matter the circumstances.
John will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, sense of humor, kindness, and devotion to those he loved. John lived his life on his own terms, always striving to ensure harmony in the world around him. He approached each day with a deep love for life, embracing its joys and challenges alike. His legacy is one of steadfast commitment to living authentically. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
John is survived by siblings - Julia Tamer, Billy Low, Marie Little, Edward Low. Nieces and nephews - Nikki & Wesley Tamer, Austin Low, Stephanie Tracy, Elizabeth Ray, Candice Banks, and Ryan Little. A long term resident of Long Beach, CA, John had many devoted friends and colleagues – Marge Steele, Jean Bazshushtari, Nan Hu, Demetrio Sosa Cortez, Steven Shaffer, Gary Wood, and countless more.
A military service and Celebration of Life will be held February 7, 2026, in Long Beach, CA. An additional military service, burial, and Celebration of Life will be held in Asheville, NC in March of 2026. Please reach out to family for additional details. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars, or Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
Fair winds and following seas, John.
A proud veteran of the United States Navy, John passed away on November 26, 2025, at Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center surrounded by family and friends. Born on March 27, 1968, John was the beloved son of the late Gayle Borders Low and Larry Oscar Low.
From a young age, John embraced the joys of childhood, spending countless hours with his siblings and neighborhood friends. A dedicated athlete, John was a year-round competitive swimmer with the Asheville Albacores and proudly represented TC Roberson High School’s swim team for four years.
After graduating from TC Roberson High School, and leaving behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and adventure, he made the decision to serve his country. John enlisted in the US Navy, where he served as a Machinist’s Mate aboard the USS Knox (FF-1052). During his time on the USS Knox, John operated, maintained, and repaired the ship’s propulsion and auxiliary systems, including engines, power generation, and refrigeration equipment.
John was awarded a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with Bronze Star and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. After his honorable service, John transferred to the Naval Reserve.
After his service, John became a California licensed contractor. He continued to expand his knowledge on boiler systems and started his own company, Blueridge Technology, Inc., where he was Owner and President. The company focused on large boilers, hot water systems and steam fittings. A disabled veteran, John most recently contracted with the VA Medical Center in West LA. There, he was responsible for serving hospital employees, veterans, and their families ensuring the boiler systems were operational for critical hospital needs.
Disciplined and structured in his approach, John was deeply committed to his company, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and friends alike. His positive spirit and dedication left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of working with him. He was often heard saying, “We’ve gotta try, right?” - a testament to his determination and refusal to give up, no matter the circumstances.
John will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, sense of humor, kindness, and devotion to those he loved. John lived his life on his own terms, always striving to ensure harmony in the world around him. He approached each day with a deep love for life, embracing its joys and challenges alike. His legacy is one of steadfast commitment to living authentically. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
John is survived by siblings - Julia Tamer, Billy Low, Marie Little, Edward Low. Nieces and nephews - Nikki & Wesley Tamer, Austin Low, Stephanie Tracy, Elizabeth Ray, Candice Banks, and Ryan Little. A long term resident of Long Beach, CA, John had many devoted friends and colleagues – Marge Steele, Jean Bazshushtari, Nan Hu, Demetrio Sosa Cortez, Steven Shaffer, Gary Wood, and countless more.
A military service and Celebration of Life will be held February 7, 2026, in Long Beach, CA. An additional military service, burial, and Celebration of Life will be held in Asheville, NC in March of 2026. Please reach out to family for additional details. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars, or Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
Fair winds and following seas, John.
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