City Council Member James Stowe Dies Unexpectedly; New Rochelle Mourns Respected Community Leader

James C. Stowe, City Councilmember from District 3 in New Rochelle, has died unexpectedly.

Stowe suffered a heat attack. He was taken to Sound Shore Medical Center in New Rochelle. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.

Stowe was elected in November 2003 as representative for Council District 3. Prior to coming on Council, Stowe was a Managing Director at a major chemical corporation. He retired in 1993. Stowe previously served as Chairman of the New Rochelle Municipal Housing Authority.

James Stowe was a United States Air Force Veteran. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from New York Institute of Technology, a Master’s of Science degree in Operations Research from New York University and Certification in Business Process Re-engineering from Boston University.

Stowe is survived by this wife Roxanne and his children.

The City issued the following statement:

The City of New Rochelle mourns the sudden passing of District #3 Council Member James C. Stowe on August 4. Mayor Noam Bramson offered the following statement on behalf of the City Council and City Administration.
“Jim Stowe’s passing is a devastating loss to our community. He will be greatly missed by his colleagues in City government and by the countless residents whose lives he touched through service.

The entire City Council and Administration joins me in offering heartfelt condolences to Jim’s wife Roxie and to the Stowe family. They will be in the thoughts and prayers of friends and admirers, all of whom understand that New Rochelle has lost one its great leaders.

On the City Council, Jim Stowe was a forceful and fearless advocate for the people of the Third District and a powerful voice for social justice and equality. He played an especially critical role in promoting affordable housing development and in creating new opportunities for young people, and was also fully engaged in all of the major challenges and choices that shape New Rochelle.

But Jim was larger than the City Council and his actions in government were only one aspect of his contributions to our city and our nation. His life was rich beyond measure in its experiences and professional achievements. In every position and role, Jim inspired others through his unshakable integrity and strength of purpose. His example will continue to set a standard for all those who value service to the common good.”

UPDATE: A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at 12:00 Noon at the Weinstein Memorial Chapel located at 1652 Central Park Avenue, Yonkers, New York. Burial will follow at the Sharon Garden Cemetery in Valhalla, New York.