James M. "Jim" Lowman's Obituary
James M. "Jim" Lowman 87, of Leesburg, passed away on April 12, 2016. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and moved to the Leesburg - Eustis area in 1989. He was a retired sales manager in the electronics industry and a member of the "Friends of Florida Folk" group. He is survived by his children; Jay (Kay) Lowman of Edison, New Jersey and Kathryn (Mark) McMillian of Hixson, Tennessee, his companion, Elaine Reichenbacher, former wife, Barbara Lowman, several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Jim was a licensed private pilot for many years. In the early sixties, his piloting skills saved his life when the single engine airplane he was flying lost engine power and he was forced to land in a farmer’s field. He logged several thousand hours during his flying years. Later in life, he enjoyed building and flying radio controlled model airplanes.
After moving to the Leesburg area, he and Elaine founded the “Friends of Florida Folk” group bringing folk musicians from the Central Florida area together with the common bond of music. They taught adult education dulcimer classes in Leesburg and Eustis and performed at various folk festivals in the area as well as in numerous retirement villages. Jim and Elaine were recently celebrated and recognized for their contributions to folk music in the region by the organization they founded.
There will be a gathering in the Hamlin Hilbish Chapel on Friday, April 15th from 10 AM until Noon. The family requests in lieu of flowers to send memorials to Cornerstone Hospice, 2445 Lane Park Road, Tavares, FL 32778.
The final resting place will be Lakeside Memory Gardens, Eustis.
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