James Patrick "Jimmy" Blow, 97, of Smithfield, North Carolina, widower of Dardenella
Proctor Blow, entered into eternal rest Sunday, April 19, 2020. Born in New Bern, North
Carolina on February 22, 1923, he was the son of Thomas George Blow and Justine Lowry Blow.
Mr. Blow studied electrical engineering after graduating from New Bern High School. He
served in the military during World War II as a pilot in the Army Air Corps. After being
discharged from service, Mr. Blow and his wife moved to Smithfield where he opened The
Jewel Box in 1946. The store is still in operation under the ownership of his son.
Mr. Blow had been a member of the Centenary Methodist Church since locating to
Smithfield. He was a charter member of the John A. Wallace Sunday School class which he
served for many years as president and teacher. Although Mr. Blow served his church
religiously, he was most grateful for the gifts that his church served to him. He credited his faith
and the Grace of God for all the many blessings during his life.
Mr. Blow had been part of the Smithfield business and social community as a member,
director, and merchant committee chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, a member and
director of the Rotary Club, an institutional representative for the Boy Scouts of America, a 70
plus years member of the American Legion, a director of the Smithfield Library, and a member
and director of the Diamond Council of America. Mr. Blow was also a charter member of the
Currituck Finance Committee.
He is survived by his son, Gordon Lowry Blow (Wanda) of Smithfield; his daughter, Justine
Blow Finch (Buddy) of Charleston, SC; four grandchildren, Kathryn (Katie) Finch Mileham M.D.
(Dunn) of Charlotte, NC, Justine Lindsay Trout (Carter) of San Mateo, CA, Darden Patrick Blow
(Diana) of Charlotte, NC, Grayson Lowry Blow (Jill) of Greensboro, NC; seven great
grandchildren, Wells and Cooper Mileham, Ella and Charlotte Trout, Isla and Elin Blow, Cohen
Blow.
Due to current health concerns, a family memorial service and burial will be held at a later
date.
Memorials can be made to Centenary Methodist Church, 140 E Market Street, Smithfield,
NC 27577 or SECU Hospice House, 426 Hospital Road, Smithfield, NC 27577.