James "Jim" E. Lowry

   James E. “Jim” Lowry was born in Wichita, Kansas, on June 10, 1940. Orphaned at the age of two, Jim was raised by Catholic Charities — an experience that shaped his strength, resilience, and lifelong compassion for others.   

   At 18, Jim joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed overseas, where fate led him to Paris, France. There, he met and married Else, and together they raised four wonderful children: Lena, Jimmy Jr., Erik, and Shannon. Jim was later blessed with nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

   After his military service, Jim began a long and successful career with Hess Oil in Savannah, Georgia, eventually transferring to Charleston, South Carolina. There, he purchased the Hess franchise on Dorchester Road, which he proudly owned and operated for 37 years.

   Jim became something of a local hero in 1989 when, after Hurricane Hugo, he refused to raise his gas prices — a simple act of integrity that reflected the kind of man he was. His honesty and work ethic turned his station into one of the highest-volume locations in the tri-county area.

   After retiring in 2008, Jim found his greatest joy on the golf course. He and his wife Andrea of 33 years spent countless days on the greens with friends, and Jim often joked that he played golf “every day ending in Y.” He was a talented player and even better company.

   In 2022, Jim was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which slowly took away his ability to play the game he loved so much. Yet, even in the face of challenges, Jim remained kind, gentle, and full of good humor — the same man everyone who met him will always remember.

   Please share your memories of Jim and celebrate a life well-lived. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Folds of Honor, an organization that reflects Jim’s patriotism and commitment to helping others.

“I will love and miss you for the rest of my life.” 

— Love, Andrea