John Lewis Low
Join us in celebrating John—please share your stories and photos, and help spread the word about this page!
John "Jackie" Lewis Low, IV passed away peacefully in Amelia Island, Florida on November 17, 2022, after a brief illness. He was surrounded by his family, who will miss him dearly.
Jackie, age 76, is survived by his wife of 55 years, Elizabeth Finnegan Low; daughter Shelley Spalding (Brandon) of Richmond, Virginia; daughter Jodie Lockhart (Jeff) of Arlington, Virginia; grandchildren Carter Spalding, Betsy Spalding, Claire Lockhart, and Juliet Lockhart; sisters Lucy Helveston (John) of Laurel, Mississippi and Tineke Kermicle (John) of Olney, Illinois; sister-in-law Marsha Low of Laurel, Mississippi; many beloved nieces and nephews; and his devoted beagle Thor. He is pre-deceased by parents Mr. and Mrs. John Lewis Low, III (Josephine McCook), and brother Rhes Low, Sr.
Jackie was a passionate, hard-working, stubborn, generous, opinionated, and loving man, with a sharp wit and a thirst for knowledge, particularly if it related to war history. He loved to entertain, and always had an amusing (if not always appropriate) story on hand. His friends and family heard some of these stories so often, they can recite many of them by heart - from pet monkeys to carpooling with Jimmy Buffet to hitchhiking across the country for a summer job in Yellowstone National Park.
The oldest of four children, Jackie was born and raised in Laurel, Mississippi in a loving and lively home. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi, where he met his soon to be wife and life-long supporter, Elizabeth Finnegan. After graduation, Jackie served in the US Air Force, obtaining the rank of captain during the Vietnam War. He spent one of his first years as a newlywed in Thailand, where he served his country dutifully and longed for home - and Elizabeth's cooking - daily.
After his service in the Air Force, Jackie (or John, as he was known during this time) attended law school at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco, and returned to Mississippi to begin what would be a long and colorful legal career.
Jackie and Elizabeth spent the majority of their life in Jackson, Mississippi, where Jackie was a partner at Watkins & Eager. They raised two daughters, both of whom inherited Jackie's stubbornness, strong will, and independent mind (which made for some loud and spirited conversations around the house, poor Elizabeth). Disagreements aside, Jackie often told Elizabeth his daughters were his proudest accomplishment.
As Jackie wound down his legal career, he and Elizabeth began spending more and more time on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, so they could be closer to their children and grandchildren. After retirement, they split their time between St. Michaels, Maryland and Amelia Island, Florida, where they are members of St. Peter's Episcopal Church.
A graveside service honoring Jackie's life will be held at 11 am on Saturday, November 26 at Olivet Cemetery, 304 South Talbot Street, St. Michaels.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests anyone who wishes to honor Jackie's memory make a donation in his name to the Talbot Interfaith Shelter at PO Box 2004, Easton, MD 21601 or https://talbotinterfaithshelter.org/.
Services entrusted to the Framptom Funeral Home - Saint Michaels, Maryland. Share memories with the family at www.framptom.com