James Michael “Mike” Lowry

James Michael Lowry, lovingly known as Mike, Jim, Jimmy, or Pops, age 71, passed away on September 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, North Carolina. A funeral service honoring the life of James Michael Lowry will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Jones Funeral Home in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 9:00 to 10:00 AM. Family and friends are invited to gather to remember Mike and honor the love, laughter, service, and memories he shared with everyone around him.

Born and raised in Gulfport, Mississippi, Mike was fiercely proud of his hometown. No matter how far life took him, Gulfport remained a part of his identity, and he loved sharing stories about growing up there.

Mike proudly served 12 years in the United States Marine Corps, eventually making Jacksonville, North Carolina, his final military station and later his home. Following his military service, he drove a Greyhound bus for several years before spending approximately 14 years as a long-haul truck driver. Life on the road suited him. He loved seeing the country, discovering new places, meeting people, and collecting stories along the way. More often than not, he returned home with a new corny joke to share.

Mike shared a deep and enduring love with his wife, Lyna Lowry. She was his partner, comfort, and safe place. During his final days, Mike wanted Lyna by his side constantly. Her presence brought him peace and reassurance, reflecting the bond they shared throughout their life together. He would often say of her, “Whatever Mom wants, she gets.” It was his playful, loving way of saying that making her happy was important to him.

He is survived by Lyna and their children, Maria Jehlina Rosa, Arthur Shane Lowry, and Mary Grace Lowry.

One of Mike’s most cherished titles was Pawpaw Swag. His granddaughter Jazzy gave him that name because of his love for Old Spice Swagger fragrance. Mike loved it so much that he proudly began introducing himself that way. He was the proud grandfather of Tiffany Marie Reese, Michael Shane Lowry, Jehlina Marie Rosa (Alvaro), Fantaysia Grace Jenkins, Taylor Marie Kieft (Spencer), Yasmín “Jazzy” Alyna Rosa, Jayden Shane Lowry, and Giselle “Gigi” Linda Rosa.

Mike bragged about his grandchildren every chance he got. He played video games with them, snuck them candy and snacks, listened to their music, danced with them, laughed with them, and happily stepped into their world—even appearing on TikTok. He especially treasured the yearly trips to Mississippi, where his children and grandchildren gathered to make memories together. Some of his favorite moments were simple ones: playing Aggravation, sharing a meal, listening to music, or sitting together.

Mike valued family traditions and good Southern cooking. He loved coming home to his mother’s cooking, and after she passed, he was grateful to have his sister Lisa carry on that tradition. He also proudly considered himself a great cook, a claim his family will remember with a smile.

His beloved dog, Sissy, was another important part of his life. Their companionship brought him comfort and happiness, and Sissy will always be part of the memories his loved ones hold dear.

Mike liked to stay busy and work with his hands. He enjoyed working in the yard, fixing things, improving his home, renovating, and working on cars and his beloved pickup trucks. He took pride in caring for his trucks and enjoyed figuring out how things worked and making them better.

He also loved watching movies, fishing, cooking, traveling, and watching the New Orleans Saints. Music was always around him, especially the songs of the 1970s, although he was just as happy listening and dancing to whatever his grandchildren were playing.

The small things that made Mike unmistakably himself included Old Spice Swagger, Pepsi, Barq’s root beer, and sweet tea. In photographs, he was often flashing his familiar peace sign, capturing his playful and easygoing spirit.

Mike was generous with his time and skills. If a neighbor asked for help, he was there to cut grass, repair something, lend a hand, or listen. He made friends easily because he genuinely enjoyed people and rarely met a stranger.

He believed mistakes were meant to teach us and grudges were never worth carrying. When someone came to him with a worry, he offered simple, steady advice:

“Just say your prayers, and everything’s gonna be all right.”

“Just be a good person.”

“Remember, we learn from our mistakes.”

“Don’t hold grudges.”

“God won’t give you anything you can’t handle.”

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, James Arthur Lowry and Myra Sue Lowry, and his youngest sister, Robin Lowry Harriel.

He leaves behind his wife, children, grandchildren, sisters Marilyn Fore, Lisa Dedeaux, and Carol Ellerman, and nieces and nephews Shelly Broussard, Corey Dedeaux, Clint Dedeaux, and Dale Ellerman, along with extended family and friends.

Mike lived many lives in one: Marine, traveler, truck driver, mechanic, fixer, fisherman, cook, storyteller, movie lover, proud Gulfport native, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. To his family, he was Mike, Jim, Jimmy, Pops, and Pawpaw Swag.

His legacy lives in the memories he created: laughter, corny jokes, family trips to Mississippi, games around the table, music, movies, time spent with his grandchildren, the scent of Old Spice Swagger, a cold Pepsi or Barq’s root beer, and his hands working on a truck or fixing something around the house.

Mike would not want his family to remain trapped in sadness. He would want them to remember:

“Don’t be sad when I go. Life goes on. You can handle it. You’ll see me again one day. Enjoy life.”

Until we meet again, Mike, Jim, Jimmy, Pops, and Pawpaw Swag.

Semper Fi.