James Franklin Lowder, Jr.

James "Jim" Franklin Lowder, Jr., 71, of New Bern, North Carolina, passed away on Saturday, August 13, 2022. James was born in Asheville, North Carolina on February 1, 1951 to the late James Franklin Lowder, Sr. and Ruth Hester Lowder. He is survived by his wife, Laura Lowder, and two sisters: Cathy Lowder of Hilo, Hawaii, and Chris Allred of Charlotte NC. He is predeceased by his daughter Michele Ruth Lowder of Winston-Salem, NC.

Jim graduated from Hickory High School in 1969 where he earned a football scholarship to ECU. He graduated from East Carolina University in 1973 with a degree in biochemistry. After volunteering as a missionary for his church for a year in Europe, he served in the U.S. Army where he served as a researcher at the Presidio Letterman Army Hospital in San Francisco, CA. Following his discharge, Jim had a 38 year career as a research biochemist working with private companies as well as at ECU School of Medicine and the N.C. Dept of Environmental Health.

He played viola in several symphony orchestras throughout his life but loved to play "fiddle" in bluegrass groups. He was known for his gentle spirit and willingness to help anyone in need. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to http://www.protectthebrain.org/.

A private service for James will be held at a later date. Online condolences can be made to www.cottenfuneralhome.com.