JAMES E. LOWE SR.

Mr. James Elwood Lowe, Sr., born March 10, 1920 in Waverly VA, was the son of the late Juber and Eva Lowe. He was the eighth child of nine children. James was baptized in the Christian faith at an early age. James completed his primary education in Waverly and his secondary in Petersburg, before embarking on his undergraduate studies at Virginia State College (University). While in college he met the love of his life, the late Senora Stith Lowe.

An Industrial Arts major, James had completed 3½ years of his undergraduate education when he was drafted into the U.S. Army for his generation's greatest calling, to serve in World War II and defeat totalitarianism. Before shipping off to Europe, James asked Senora's hand in marriage, without hesitation she said yes, and traveled to meet him where he was based in Jacksonville Florida. They were married on August 18, 1943.

Stationed in Europe during WWII, James quickly rose to the rank of Sergeant. His tour included stints in England, Germany, and France. He was indelibly shaped by his wartime experiences, and when prompted, would talk about some of the more harrowing days and nights. He described how during supply runs 'German airplanes seemed to always know and would strafe his convoy' in which his men would have 'to occasionally abandon the trucks and seek protection behind railroad embankments.'

He noted the personal foxhole each man would dig for relative safety from gunfire or bombs while sleeping. He recalled the horrific details of arriving by landing craft on the Normandy Beach just days after D-Day, in which American bombers could be seen on the horizon dropping bombs two and three at a time in an attempt 'to expand on the little land the U.S. had seized and continue the assault.' He developed a close friendship with a medical officer, Mario, to whose unit he delivered supplies. This friendship would last a lifetime, and fostered many, many other enduring friendships. He also remained lifelong friends with a German farmer's family whose farm his unit had occupied for several months. On a chance meeting in Germany, he saw his younger brother, Russell.

When James returned home after the war, in December 1945, he devoted himself to his wife and home life, and accepted a job opportunity with the U.S. Postal Service. Nine months after his return, their first child, a daughter, Sandra, was born. In the next few years, he designed and built his family's first house, a beautiful, brick, cape cod design. Eight years after the birth of their first, a second daughter, Kathy, was born and after another six and a half years, their last child, James Jr., was born.

James was a devoted husband, dedicated father, loyal friend, and diligent letter carrier. He was well-known and respected in the community and on his various mail routes. Although he may have been largely unaware of his impact, he was an admired role model within his neighborhood, community, and city.

After 33 years of civil service, he retired at 56 years of age, and began building his and Senora's dream home that they had designed themselves. With his son, as his helper and apprentice, he completed it in 1978. It was here where he and Senora continued their tradition of entertaining, and enjoyed many retired years with their children, family, and friends. Besides building, James' passion was geography and traveling. He and Senora embarked on many trips across the country and globe. Often their traveling companions were Mario (his old army buddy) and his wife, Gloria, along with a host of other friends with whom he was remarkably close to.

One of James' most memorable trips was a cruise that included passage through the Panama Canal. As a child and young adult, he had always been fascinated by this man-made technological wonder that was completed just a few years before his birth. During the canal transit, he spent the entire day on the bow of the ship taking in and marveling at the process!

Having retired so young, when he wasn't traveling, he spent time on various construction efforts, and served as an advisor and fellow carpenter when his son followed in his footsteps, designing and building his first house.

James spent the last several days and hours of his life with the caresses and strokes of his youngest daughter and his son. A fighter to the end, he maintained his usual spunk and continued to eat, fully expecting another day, week, month!

James departed his physical existence, peacefully, in his sleep on February 26, 2021, twelve days shy of his 101st birthday. James was predeceased by all eight siblings, Alice Bynum, Russell, Gladys DeVane, Walter, Thelma Reid, William, Paul, and Juber Jr. To cherish his memory, James leaves behind: two daughters, Sandra Elveta and Kathy Jean; son, James Jr and daughter-in-law, Lisa Anita; two granddaughters, Senora Avery and Milan Jameson, sister­­-in-law, Thelma Lewis, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Long life afforded James many wonderful experiences. With the steadfast advocacy, help, and encouragement of his daughters, son, and granddaughters, he delivered on his promise to see his youngest girls, Senora and Milan, grow up! The bonds he formed with them and his children are eternal.

James' jovial spirit, kindheartedness, and humanity permeated all of his life, and enabled him to forge new and strong friendships until the very end. His love of humanity and his spirituality ran deep through his soul. All that knew him were touched by his grace, graciousness, and friendship.

Services will be held 1:00 P.M., Saturday, March 6, 2021 at the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA. The interment to follow at Blandford Cemetery.

Please follow the CDC and State of Virginia guidelines.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.