John "Jack" George Lowther

Jack Lowther passed away on June 29, 2023, at the age of 75. His legacy will spring through eternity, as a believer in Jesus Christ; a devoted husband to his wife of 53 years, Lee Johnston Lowther; a loving father to his three boys, Blake Lowther, Todd Lowther (married to Rachel Lowther), and Patrick Lowther (married to Kristen Lowther); a proud grandparent to his three granddaughters, Riley, Natalie, and Emma Lowther, and two grandsons, Bennett and Matthew Lowther; a judge and lawyer committed to serving justice with a smile on his face; and a friend to many. He will be missed but his family knows he is in a better place.

Jack was born on June 19, 1948, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to his parents Irene Staley Lowther and John Addison Lowther. He lived in Pittsburgh with his parents and sister Patti Lowther (now Patti Peters, married to Nick Peters) until elementary school, when the family moved to Birmingham, Alabama. Jack went to Berry High School, where he met his future wife, Lee Johnston. Jack attended undergraduate and law school at the University of Alabama and became a huge Bama fan, one of many traits he passed on to his kids and grandkids.

Jack and Lee were married on May 30, 1970, and lived in Tuscaloosa until 1978, when they moved back to Birmingham. By 1980, Jack and Lee had three boys under the age of five. Over the next decade plus, Jack could often be found at a baseball field teaching young boys the fundamentals of hitting and fielding … or arguing with umpires. He loved coaching his boys in little league—talk of his Vestavia youth baseball experiences and multiple championship trophies would bring a smile to his face even as he struggled through terminal illness late in life.

Jack’s life cannot be adequately described without mentioning his passion for work. He practiced law for over 40 years, including working as a lawyer from 1974-2002, the Vestavia Hills Municipal Court Judge from 1980-2002, and a Jefferson County District Court Judge from 2002-2015. Jack was a member of the Alabama Municipal Judges Association for over 20 years, held multiple offices, and served as President from 1985-86. He was a member of the Alabama District Judges Association for over a decade, participated in numerous committees, and was President from 2008-2009. Jack was an active member of the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce for over 30 years, served as Vice President twice, and will be remembered by many for his witty speaker introductions at chamber meetings.

As much as anything, Jack was a loving husband and father. He cherished spending time with his wife Lee, traveling with her, walking on the beach looking for seashells, exercising with the dogs at Jemison trail, and watching the grandkids. Jack set an example for his boys of what Christian marriage looks like, to love and cherish someone “till death do us part.”

And as a judge, Jack had the privilege of performing marriages for many others over the years. He loved this part of his job and took it very seriously, whether it was for close friends or someone he had never met before. This was one of many ways he touched the lives of others as a judge.

Last but certainly not least, Jack believed in and served Jesus Christ. He was a member of the Roman Catholic Church and had true faith in the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior. He loved attending Church throughout his life and often served as a lector at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Birmingham, Alabama. Even in the end, when his earthly body was deteriorating, Jack’s faith remained steadfast and helped see him through the most difficult of days. It is for this reason that we know Jack Lowther has now been healed and stands in glory in Heaven with his creator, his savior, and those that predeceased him, awaiting the rest of us to join him there.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. CDT (visitation at 9:00 a.m.) at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Birmingham, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund or another charity in Jack’s name.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsvalleychapel.com for the Lowther family.