James Arthur “Jay” Lowe, born into this life on February 16, 1960 passed into eternal life May 25, 2019, surrounded by his family and drenched in the merciful grace of God. Jay was preceded in death by his father Kenneth Lowe and mother in law Ann Marie Holmes, and is survived by his best friend and wife of 30 years Colleen, sons Nathan (Molly) and Mitchell (Mikaela), his mother Elma, father in law Ted Holmes, brothers Kenneth (LeAnn), Rick (Mary), Tim, Tom (Susan), sisters in law Beth Hauger (Greg), Kit Holmes (Cindy), special niece Christina and nephew Glen, his “ adopted” girls and guy, and many dear friends and associates. His delight was making his wife laugh and quality time with his sons and their girls. His was a playful soul, who was quick to seek the good in his friends and colleagues. “It’s not what you say but how you say it” and “Don’t sweat the small stuff….and it’s all small!” were his mottos. As an MSU graduate, Jay’s professional life in broadcast television began as a director at WLNS in Lansing, moved to Grand Rapids WZZM where over 30 years he built lasting relationships and rose through the ranks to Production Manager, and ended leading the fine people of WGVU as Acting General Manager. His spiritual life took flight at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, where he was privileged to distribute our Lord in Holy Communion, adore Him in the Eucharistic Chapel and be prayed into heaven by a community too great to count. Visitation will take place at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church on Wednesday, May 29 from 2-4pm and from 6-8pm with a rosary prayed at 8pm. Jay’s funeral Mass will be on Thursday May 30 at 11:00am at IHM Church, with celebrant and dear friend, Fr. Troy Nevins. Memorial gifts may be made out to Our Shepherds, Our Future Capital Campaign c/o Immaculate Heart of Mary Church 1935 Plymouth Ave SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506 or the IHM Killgoar Foundation.
22 Responses
Jay was such a sweet soul and had winning smile. He will be missed.
My dear..dear friend, I will miss you so! I know you will be watching out for me from above and guiding me gently.
Colleen-
You and Jay, your love for our Lord in the Eucharist, faith that did not wavier is such a gift and testament to others. Through Jay’s suffering your faith has stood fast and in the next life, which Jay is living, you will see the lives you have strengthened and brought to he Lord. Paul, the kids, and my prayers are with you in this time of grief. May our Blessed Mother continue to wrap you in her mantle of peace and love.
Much love and prayers,
Christy
Dear Colleen, my deepest sympathy to you and your sons. He was such a great man, made even greater with you by his side and his two sons. It was a honor to know him. I’ll continue to keep you all in my prayers. God Bless – hugs. Jan
It was a pleasure to work with Jay and later to see him at a couple of WGVU and community events. Sincere condolences to the family.
Mrs Colleen Lowe & Family. We are saddened to learn of the passing of your husband. We had the opportunity to meet your husband through our son Aaron Turner. Our son often spoke concerning how Spiritual & Professional your husband was. I’m sure he will be missed by his Friends at WGVU. Praying for you & your family fervently. Blessings Mr. & Mrs. Lee Turner.
Jay hired me at WZZM in 1994. I was really nervous during the interview but he put me at ease with his friendly demeanor and i’ll always remember that. I can’t ever remember him not being in a good mood. Truly a great man.
While happy that Jay is in the arms of our Lord, we offer great sympathy to Colleen and the rest of his family. Naturally, he will be truly missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
With God’s blessings, now and always
We are saddened by your loss and send prayers and condolences in abundance. Indeed he is home with the Lord basking in the beatific vision promised to devoted Christians like Jay. May you find peace and graced moments during this difficult time of mourning and grief. Our love is sent in memory, your Massachusetts friends – Dennis, Phyllis & Rachael Hakeem
This news comes with such great sadness. Jay will missed by so many people. Even people like us that didn’t see him or talk with him very often, but took great comfort in knowing people like him were in the world making it a better place. Our hearts are breaking. Our prayer is that Colleen, Nate, Mitch and the entire family feel surround by love during these difficult days.
Uncle Dave and I send our heartfelt sympathies to you mikaela and to the family of Jay. So sorry for your loss…
Our memories of Jay are infused with love, friendship, laughter and joy. May your many happy memories of Jay, coupled with your assurance of his profound love for all of you, and your faith in the resurrection, bring you comfort and peace in the days ahead.
Tim , i am deeply saddened by the loss that you and your family have encountered. My condolences.
My thoughts to the family at this time
You are in my thoughts and prayers Colleen! You had a wonderful husband! I LOVE YOU BOTH SO VERY MUCH! Rest In Peace Jay! GOD BLESS YOU BOTH!
LOVE ALWAYS
KRYSTA BILLOCK
Jay made his mark! What a lovely tribute you have written to him. I remember him from high school. I am sure there are many you never knew who are now sending condolences. It looks like his was a life well led. Gods peace to you and family during these hard days.
My Deepest Sympathy goes out to Jay Lowe’s family, My prayers are with you all.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Jay was an amazing husband, father, friend and coworker. He will always be remembered.
Bill Dallman.
Colleen-
May you and your sons feel the love and support from our IHM family and our greater community. Jay’s smile, contagious laughter and kind words will be forever in our hearts. All our love- Sandy and Scott Barner
Jay was one of a kind, no one can jab at me with quick wit like him. I miss him already.
Jay was just one of the best humans out there. He made me smile every day I worked with him, and shared many many laughs together. Sending love to Colleen and his boys, he will be missed by so many.
My first boss out of college – I owe so much to Jay for believing in me. He helped me find my confidence, and guided me when I needed to make the next step in my career. Such an amazing guy. We’ll miss you so much, Jay. Prayers to the family during this time.