James W. Blowe, Jr. "Jim"

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness…” - 2 Timothy 4:7-8

James Walter Blowe, Jr., affectionately known as “Jim”, of Prince George, Virginia, peacefully departed this life on September 2, 2026, at Arden Courts of Midlothian, Virginia. He will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, proud veteran, faithful friend, mentor, and a man whose kindness touched countless lives.

Born July 21, 1941, Jim was the son of the late James Walter Blowe, Sr. and Katherine Blowe. He graduated from J.E.J. Moore High School in 1959, where the senior class logbook recognized him as most popular, most musical, most sophisticated, and the “tallest.” After graduation, he relocated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he worked while attending and graduating from the Berean Institute of Electronics. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967 during the Vietnam War, earning numerous awards and commendations. Following his military service, he moved to Paterson, New Jersey, worked for Pioneer Electronics Company, and earned a Certificate of Completion from R.E.T.S. Electronics.

Driven by a genuine desire to connect with and help others, Jim built a 28-year career with Prudential Insurance Company of America. He received numerous awards and recognitions for exceptional service and was consistently recognized among Prudential’s Top Producers. Throughout his distinguished career, he generated millions of dollars in sales while providing trusted guidance to clients. Yet his greatest reward came from helping families prepare for the future and protect what mattered most. Clients valued not only his knowledge and professionalism, but also his honesty and compassion.

In addition to his insurance career, Jim developed a passion for real estate and eagerly discussed new opportunities, exchanged ideas, and encouraged others in their pursuits. He believed in hard work, perseverance, and creating opportunities for himself and those he loved. His entrepreneurial spirit was evident throughout his life.

Jim was a man of many passions. His love of music inspired him to open a record store in Paterson, New Jersey, where he shared that passion and connected with the community. Over the years, he built an extensive album collection, as well as cultivating this passion through playing the tenor saxophone and studying guitar. He also enjoyed photography and could often be found behind the camera at family gatherings and special events, preserving cherished memories of the people he loved. His lifelong enthusiasm for automobiles extended from vintage classics to modern vehicles, especially Corvettes and fast, high-performance cars. Whether admiring a classic, a new car model, or simply enjoying a drive, cars brought him tremendous joy. Family and friends often joked that they would never find a dirty car in his garage – NEVER! In quieter moments, he was in a favorite place - in his garage or in his recliner listening to music.

Jim was also a proud member of Integrity Masonic Lodge No. 51 in Paterson, New Jersey. Although no longer active in lodge activities, he remained a supportive member throughout his life.

Jim never met a stranger and had a special gift for making everyone feel welcome. He treasured time with family and friends, often hosting gatherings filled with good food, laughter, and music. Whether sharing stories, offering advice, or simply enjoying the company of others, he made every occasion feel special and created memories that will last a lifetime.

Above all, Jim loved God and cherished his family. Faith guided his life, and love for others was evident in everything he did. Throughout his life, he mentored many young people and taught by example the importance of faith, hard work, integrity, leadership, and respect. He made people feel seen, supported, and cared for.

Those who knew Jim knew that he loved life and lived it fully. He touched countless lives through his kindness, encouragement, and genuine love for people, embracing each day with gratitude, enthusiasm, and joy. He will be remembered for his warm smile, generous heart, and remarkable ability to make people feel welcomed, valued, and appreciated. His larger-than-life spirit could light up a room, energize those around him, and turn a stranger into a lifelong friend. Whether through his service, mentorship, friendship, faith, or unwavering devotion to family, he left an enduring mark on the hearts of all who knew him. Though he will be deeply missed, the love he shared, the lives he influenced, and the memories he created will continue to inspire generations to come.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Walter Blowe, Sr. and Katherine Blowe, and his sister, Rachel Virginia Johnson.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife of 46 years, Eugenia Blowe of Prince George, Virginia; his daughters, Dianne Jones of West Milford, New Jersey, and Traci Drayton (Jeffrey) of Fair Lawn, New Jersey; his sons, Talmadge Livingston (Diane) of Paterson, New Jersey, and Archie Collins of Petersburg, Virginia; his brother, Michael Blowe (Angela) of Prince George, Virginia; his sisters-in-law, Yvonne Baker of Hopewell, Virginia, and Yvette Thompson of Louisburg, North Carolina; his cherished grandchildren, Asia Livingston, Avery Livingston, Ava Livingston, Mya Drayton, Basheer Drayton, Devonte’ Addison, and Nicole Niles; and his seven great grandchildren. He also leaves his bonus son, Alvin Johnson; and bonus granddaughter, Tatiyana Johnson of New Jersey; his devoted niece, Patricia Johnson of Virginia; his devoted goddaughter, Patricia Walker of Georgia; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

“The measure of a life is not found in the years we live, but in the lives we touch, the love we share, and the memories we leave behind.”

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Good Shepherd Baptist Church 2223 South Crater Road, Petersburg, VA, Bishop Jeffrey L. Reaves, Sr., Pastor, the Rev. Leon Yarbough, eulogist, Minister Mattie Love Yarbough, officiant. The interment to follow with Military Honors at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Courthouse Road, Prince George, VA.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M., Friday, September 11, 2026, at the funeral establishment.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/6177286?fl=so&fe=fs