James Lowery Obituary

James Randolph Lowery

May 29, 1938 - Sep 20, 2025

Norwalk

James Randolph Lowery, 87, passed away Saturday, September 20, 2025, in his home after an extended illness, surrounded by his loved ones.

Jim was born May 29, 1938, in Cumberland, Maryland. He spent his childhood in Altoona, Pennsylvania, where he graduated from Altoona High School in 1956. For eight years, he served in the U.S. Army Railroad & Reserves. He worked on the tail light assembly line for Ford Motor Company for 33 years in Sandusky. After retiring, he worked for 13 years as a courtesy shuttle driver at Cedar Point. Jim was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Sandusky, where he served as an usher for many years. Jim bowled for many years at Star Lanes, including decades of service as secretary to the Citizens Bank Classic League. In 1996, he was inducted into the Sandusky Bowling Hall of Fame. He organized the annual U.A.W. Christmas party and partnered with businesses throughout Erie County to grow it into a much-loved gathering of Ford retirees. He spent countless hours building jigsaw puzzles and watching his John Wayne movies. And, of course, to know Jim was to know that he was a passionate, lifelong fan of both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirates.

Most of all, Jim deeply cherished the precious time he spent with his family. Jim is survived by his soul-mate and bride of 61 years, Ruth. It was truly love at first sight on a blind date as he proposed to his Ruthie on the third day. Together, they raised three children who blessed them with eight grandchildren. Jim is survived by his daughter, Stacey and son-in-law, Richard Bretz; his son, James Lowery; and his daughter, Tonya and son-in-law, Guy Finkman. He is survived by his seven granddaughters, Suzannah, Tessa, and Mikaela Bretz; Maya and Mika Finkman; Chrisafina and Jenna Lowery; and his grandson, James Lowery. He is also survived by his dear in-laws, Daniel Smith and David and Sharon Smith.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Lewis Wilford Lowery; his mother, Mary Lena Schaub Lowery; two brothers, one sister, two very special aunts, Lura Breese and Sally Lowery; his beloved uncle, John Lowery; and his dear sister-in-law, Carole Beckwith Smith.

The family will receive friends and visitors from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, with Jim's funeral service to immediately follow at 6 p.m. The Reverend Michael Conklin, of Zion Lutheran Church in Sandusky, will officiate. A private burial will be later for family.

Condolences may be shared online at https://www.toftfuneralhome.com/.

The family invites those who wish to honor Jim's memory with a lasting gift to do so by contributing to Stein Hospice at https://www.hospicewr.org/Stein-Hospice.