James Elsworth (Jim) Lowe, a native of Springfield, MO, and longtime resident of New York City, and in recent years exclusively East Hampton, NY, passed away December 12, 2016, at his East Hampton home after a long illness.

For many decades Jim Lowe was a major New York City radio personality.  His longest and latest tenure was with the legendary WNEW, where he was acquainted with virtually all the greats and near greats of American popular music, Broadway and broadcasting.  His friends included Frank Sinatra, who routinely called him on his radio show to sing Happy Birthday to him, dozens of composers including Irving Berlin, and great singers such as Lena Horne, Tony Bennett, Peggy Lee, Andy Williams, Sarah Vaughan and Margaret Whiting among countless others.

After interruption for U.S. Army service in World War II, Jim graduated from The University of Missouri in 1948. He began his radio career at the University, with short radio stints afterward in Springfield, Indianapolis and Chicago before moving to WCBS in New York in 1956.  At CBS he was the featured host of "Jazz is my Beat" and "Upbeat Saturday Night," and teamed up there with Florence Henderson to showcase the CBS TV audience participation series "Sing Along" in 1958.

Jim took his talents to WNBC in 1959 where he had a daily show, was also heard on NBC Radio's "Monitor," and did several stints on "The Today Show" at NBC.

Jim's tenure at WNEW began in 1964, and was long and notable for his encyclopedic knowledge of American popular music from the 30's, 40's and early 50's, its composers, lyricists, and singers.

His passion for The Great American Songbook began as a youth in his maternal grandfather's music store in his native Springfield.  Jim's signature show, "Jim Lowe's New York," featured interviews with countless celebrities from that genre, and formed the centerpiece of his career.  His daily show was a staple of New York radio life throughout the 1960's, 70's and 80's.  He was known to his listeners as "Mr. Broadway."  Jim carried an amazing depth of information about lyrics, composers, arrangers and performers, and could retell it at will in astonishing detail.

But it was a song of a different time that first put Jim Lowe on the national map.  As a sideline to his radio career, his #1 gold record hit "Green Door" was recorded in 1956, sold two and a half million records, and for a brief time knocked Elvis Presley out of Billboard's top spot.  As part of that sideline, Jim also composed songs, sang and played fine stride piano, made club appearances and numerous recordings.

When he retired from broadcasting in the 1990's he turned his attention to charitable and industry endeavors.  He was a founding board member of The Songwriters' Hall of Fame.  And for decades he hosted many of the annual Lyrics and Lyricists Series performances at New York City's prestigious 92nd Street Y, as well as special musical events for East Hampton's Guild Hall, The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons, and The Southampton Cultural Center.

Beyond Jim's music expertise, he was exceedingly well read, knowledgeable about history, and a vigilant observer of current political events.  He was a passionate sports fan, especially of football and golf, and a loyal supporter of his Alma Mater's Missouri University Tigers, through good years and bad.

Jim's life, characterized by his abiding interest in friends, family, music and the world around him, was full and eventful. Beyond these things, he will be equally remembered for his charm, wit, intelligence, good humor, kindness and his exceedingly good nature.  These qualities will remain in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved him, marking a true memorial to this fine citizen and dear friend.

He is survived by his nieces, Cindy Lowe Lurvey of Las Cruces, NM, and Melissa Lowe of Springfield, MO, and many friends.  He was preceded in death by his brother, Dr. H.A. Lowe, Jr.

Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016 in Maple Park Cemetery, Springfield , MO, under direction of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.   Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Rescue Fund, P.O. Box 901, Wainscott, NY, 11975.