NEW ROCHELLE, NY (November 27, 2024) — New Rochelle City officials together with the family, neighbors, and friends of the late New Rochelle City Council Member James C. Stowe gathered on Friday, November 15 for the official renaming of Lemke Park in Rochelle Heights as James C Stowe Park.
James C. Stowe served as City Council Member for District 3 from January 2004 until his passing in August 2010.
James C. Stowe was elected to represent the citizens of Council District Three in 2003 with 75% of the vote. He was re-elected with overwhelming support 5 years later. He served for seven years representing a district he often called “the lungs” of New Rochelle.
Stowe passed on August 4, 2010.
SEE: City Council Member James Stowe Dies Unexpectedly; New Rochelle Mourns Respected Community Leader
Statement by Mayor Noam Bramson on behalf of the City of New Rochelle and the New Rochelle City Council
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.”
Stowe was honored at the time of his passing with a memorial in the City Hall Rotunda and a ceremony in the Council Chambers.
Roxanne Stowe was elected unanimously by a City Council evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats, to serve out the remainder of Jim Stowe’s term.
The New Rochelle City Council commended Stowe posthumously on January 18, 2011.
What they are saying:
Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert: “Today we not only remember his personal and professional accomplishments, but also the values he embodied: integrity, dedication and a deep love for his community and his family It is an honor to rename the park in his memory a small gesture to ensure that his contributions will never be forgotten.”
District 3 Council Member David Peters: “It is a great honor to be the Council Member serving in the shadow of this wonderful public servant. Mr. Stowe by all accounts was a man who commanded the respect and admiration of all. I am grateful that we permanently honor his legacy with the renaming of this Park in his memory.”
Parks and Recreation Commissioner Vin Parise: “It is an appropriate tribute to rename this neighborhood park in memory of Council Member Stowe, reflecting his dedication to community service, environmental advocacy, and youth mentoring.”
Edward Stowe (Jim’s brother): “We feel comforted, inspired to know you think he deserved this. He had a heartfelt compassion not just for the City of New Rochelle but for all the land around it, and worked hard for it.”
Jacqueline Graham-Mills, Elena Cowie and Shelia Small, Esq: a“Renaming Lemke Place Park to James C. Stowe Park is a fitting and meaningful way to honor a man who gave so much to our community. We believe that this renaming will not only recognize Jim Stowe’s remarkable legacy but also inspire continued community engagement and stewardship.”
Biography of Councilman James C. Stowe
Council Member Stowe was a distinguished member of the community, with extensive personal and professional accomplishments. He was an Air Force veteran, and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from New York Institute of Technology, a Master’s of Science Degree in Operations Research from NYU, and a certification in Business Process Re-engineering from Boston University. In 1969, Jim married Roxie Gilmore, and they raised two children, Eipporah and Tobhnas Stowe, in New Rochelle, NY.
Jim had a successful professional career with Union Carbide as a Managing Director of Health, Safety, and Environmental Systems. His many responsibilities entailed extensive international travel throughout Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and Central and South America. He retired in 1993.
After his retirement, Mr. Stowe immersed himself in serving the New Rochelle community by volunteering for the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment. As a result of his tireless service, he was asked to run for the position of District 3 City Councilman. He was an influential member of the New Rochelle City Council, known for his ability to work collaboratively with others. He was a firm believer in social and economic justice for all people. He fought for his constituents of District 3 as well as all of the residents of New Rochelle. In this spirit of inclusivity, he co-authored the New Rochelle Affordable Housing Policy and implemented the New Rochelle Development Employment Initiative. One of the most near and dear initiatives he led was as Director and Co-Founder of the New Rochelle Lego League, a global program that engages children in research, problem-solving, and engineering.
