Jimmy Lowe, 82, a Highlands native, former Highlands Fire and Rescue Fire Chief and a Free Mason, was honored for his 50 years of service to the Blue Ridge Lodge 435.
The ceremony was held on Sept. 25 at Zachary Park on Buck Creek Road due to COVID-19 pandemic concerns.
“Lowe is a Third Degree Mason and has been a member of the Blue Ridge Lodge #435 in Highlands for all of those 50 years of service,” said Master of the Lodge, Tim Henry.
Lowe’s award was presented during a ceremony at Zachary Park on Sunday Sept. 25. Highlands Fire and Rescue sent an engine to the ceremony to pay tribute to Lowe for his service as Fire Chief in Highlands.
Lowe served as fire chief from 1987-1995 and volunteered with the department from 1976-2004.
“We wanted to make this a surprise for he and his wife, Nancy, with a trip from a fire department fire truck in tribute to his service with Highlands Fire and Rescue,” Henry said.
They opted to move the celebration to Zachary Park as those attending couldn’t properly social distance on Lowe’s front porch in the event of rain.
Still, Lowe said it was a nice surprise.
“It was really great to see the fire truck out there, it meant a lot,” Lowe said. “It was good. I’m very proud of the honor. These guys are like my brothers.”
Lowe, who was born and raised on Cheney Lane just outside of Highlands, has called the short stretch of road home all his life.
“My home place was right next door,” he said. “They’re building a new house there now.”
The Blue Ridge Lodge #435 opened in the 1890s when their charter was issued said Henry.
“Presently, there are approximately 70 members in the Lodge,” he said.
Henry said Lowe was a man who gave back to his community during times of need.
“Jimmy was not only the fire chief in town and also had his own business, and worked for Highlands Country Club,” Henry said. “He has been a spiritual mentor for many in town and is an inspiration for many others. If you were ever in need, Jimmy was the kind of guy that would give you the shirt off his back.”
Henry said Lowe lived the Mason’s creed in his life, helping others and providing guidance and mentoring when he saw it was needed.
“It’s a wonderful organization and takes good men and makes them better,” he said.