James William Lowder

James William Lowder, 81, of Scotland, Arkansas, departed from this
world on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. He was born on August 14, 1944,
in Scotland, Arkansas, to the late Grady and Julia Smith-Lowder.
James met the love of his life, Terry, when they were just 15 years old
at church. What began with handwritten letters soon grew into a lifelong
love story. From those early notes exchanged between teenagers blossomed
a marriage. Life would take them through many seasons over the years,
yet the bond they shared was one that time never erased. In the end,
they found their way back to one another, and Terry remained a steady
source of love and care by his side until his passing.
After graduating high school, James moved in with his sister, Jewel, and
began working at a shoe factory. He was never afraid of hard work and
spent many years employed at local stores, including Piggly Wiggly and
Walmart, faithfully providing for his family.
In 1992, James followed his entrepreneurial spirit and opened a business
that would serve the community for more than three decades, operating
until 2023. What began as a gift shop eventually evolved into an arcade
and later a convenience store. He offered groceries, gas, and
made-to-order meals, but he became especially well known for his
burgers. For many, his store was more than just a place to shop — it was
a gathering spot, a friendly face, and a steady presence in the
community. James had a servant’s heart and was always ready to lend a
hand or share a smile.
In his final years, James and Terry made their home with their son
Steven and his wife, Shellie. There, surrounded by the love of family, he
spent his last days the same way he lived his life — close to those he
cherished most.
Left to cherish his memory is the love of his life, Terry Lowder;
children, Angela Lowder, Lisa Loggins and husband Randy, Steven Lowder
and wife Shellie, Kim Lowder; siblings, Jerry Lowder and wife Nathlee,
Jewel Simcox; 12 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; sister in laws,
Floy Wright and Betty Jones as well as a host of nieces, nephews,
friends, and other family members.
James is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, J.C. and Robert
Lowder.

Pall Bearers are Donald Lee Ramsey, Dokota Ramsey, Zachary Ramsey, Connor Smith, Cody Lowder, Connor Lowder, Jake Tinsley.

Honorary Pall Bearers are Garrett Haight, Vinh Nguyen, Lance Bauder.

Visitation will be held at 2:00 p.m. with funeral services following at
3:00 p.m., Monday, February 16, 2026, at the Scotland Lighthouse
Christian Fellowship Church. Burial will follow at Foster Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ozark View Funeral Home. To share a
memory or kind words to the family , please visit
www.ozarkviewfuneralhome.com.

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