James A. Lowe Jr., 85, died Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016, at the Mississippi State Veterans Home in Kosciusko.

He was born on Dec. 19, 1930, in Foxworth to James A. Lowe Sr., D.S., and Bertha Ball Lowe.

James grew up in Foxworth where at the age of 11 he began driving a delivery truck for his uncle Nap’s feed and seed store. After graduating from Columbia High School, he attended Mississippi College in Clinton, where he received a degree in Chemistry.

James served in the United States Navy Reserve from 1948 through 1952 and was on active duty with the United States Marine Corps in 1953. Thereafter, he served in the United States Army Reserve until 1962. He continued serving his country as a board member of the United States Selective Service System.

James married Yvonne E. Hajj on Dec. 28, 1954, and they were happily married for 55 years.

In the early 1960s, James taught biology and chemistry at Redwood High School in Redwood. He then worked as a civil engineering technician in the Soil and Rock Mechanics Division at the Waterways Experiment Station in Vicksburg until his retirement in 1997.

James received numerous awards and commendations for his work, including his work as a quality control inspector for several large, critical projects for the Defense Nuclear Agency. Following his retirement, James enjoyed serving on the board of the Vicksburg Tallulah Regional Airport and as warden and vestry member of The Church of the Holy Trinity. In February 1998, James oversaw major repairs to the church, including the replacement of the original slate roof.

James was preceded in death by his parents, James and Bertha Lowe, his wife, Yvonne, and his sister, Virginia Chain.

James is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, James A. Lowe III and his wife Carol of Ridgeland; and two grandchildren, Catherine E. Lowe and Rachel F. Lowe.

A funeral service will be 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, 2016, at The Church of the Holy Trinity, Episcopal, with the Rev. Beth Palmer, rector, officiating.

Visitation will be at the McInnis Parish Hall at the church from 1 p.m. until the service.

Burial will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery under the direction of Riles Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Church of the Holy Trinity, Episcopal, 900 South Street, Vicksburg, MS 39180.