Obituary

James Henry Lowe, Jr. was born to Olivia (aka Arlevia) and James Henry Lowe, Sr. on November 9, 1933 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was the second child of three. Growing up, he was affectionately known as “Billy.”

Billy (James) attended Charles S. Johnson elementary, Carver Junior High, and the historic Booker T. Washington High School where he graduated in the class of 1951.

After graduation Billy (James) attended Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma where he was a pre-med student. His older sister and his mother worked hard to pay for his education. The family believed that a good education was the key to a better life. However, knowing that their effort was putting a strain on the family, Billy (James) decided to leave college and join the Navy to pay for his education. It was in the Navy that his childhood name of “Billy” was dropped. Jimmy was more fitting for a young man who was now serving his country.

Jimmy entered active duty on February 20, 1952. During basic, training he served aboard the heavy cruiser, USS St. Paul, in the Far East. It was during this time that the Korean War was in full swing. Jimmy was later transferred to the USS Missouri, where he served during the battle. Although the Korean War never officially ended, Jimmy was always proud to let it be known that he was on the ship that fired the last rounds. He received an honorable discharge on February 13, 1956. During his time in the Navy, he received the United Nations Service Medal, China Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Services Medal, and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation Service Medal. As a veteran, he proudly wore his Korean War ball cap and relished the attention it would bring.

After the military, Jimmy set up residence in New York. He was there for 14 years before moving on to California. He also re-entered college, earning several degrees. He eventually earned his PhD in Business Administration and worked as a computer programmer until retirement. After retirement, he retumed to Tulsa, Oklahoma.

A few other enjoyments included painting, writing (he authored two books), watching CNN news, and research. He was instrumental in helping his niece, Denise, to research the family’s Native American ancestry. Jimmy is a registered member of the Muscogee Creek Nation.

James is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Ida Mae Lowe, and his brother, Charles T. Lowe.

He leaves to cherish his memory daughters: Shawna Bianco (Donald) of New York, Kai Brinkley (Chris), and Anika Albert (Darren), both of California. Grandchildren: Charlie, Eric, and Kevin Bianco, all of New York, Khaila, Jarrett and Sariah Brinkley, Jordan, and Devin Albert all of California. Denise Graham (niece), Kamika Bell (great-niece), and Elyce Harris (great-great niece) with whom he lived, all of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Jimmy has other nieces, nephews, family, and friends who will also cherish his memory.