Obituary Lowell Richard “Dick” James

Lowell Richard “Dick” James, 83, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, in Charleston, SC. A man of sharp intellect, steady hands, and a rhythm all his own, Dick lived a life defined by service, precision, and a love for the outdoors.

Born in 1942 in Indiana, Dick grew up on a farm then went to Mississippi State for college where he was in the Army ROTC. He answered the call to duty by serving in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. After the Army, Dick and his family lived in Kennesaw, GA, Alton, IL, and then settled in Charleston, SC as he pursued a variety of opportunities in the firearm and ammunition fields. He worked with Remington Arms, Winchester, Smith & Wesson, and Fiocchi. His work at Remington included design of a rifle for left-handed shooters. He owned several businesses, including the bluegrass bar Whales Tale in Charleston, taught at Trident Technical College, and retired after selling his tax and accounting firm.

Dick was a self-taught bass guitar player and spent time touring with a regional band in the 1980’s. He had talent as an artist, building unique furniture, carving wood and stone, and making arrow heads that fooled experts. Dick was also a true outdoorsman who felt most at home in the woods or at the range. He possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of firearms, specifically in the field of old gun identification. For many years he was the expert advisor on a well know gun board website where he regularly answered questions, identified guns, and wrote blogs on odd and unusual guns.

Dick is survived by his wife, Louise James; children from his first marriage, Mike James (Debbie), Doug James (Carolee), Travis James (Adam), and bonus-daughter Karen Bloomer (Jeff); Grandchildren Ryan James (Brielle), Colleen James, Kyle James (Bethany), Alex James (Kaitlynn), Stuart James, Kellen Bloomer and five beloved great grandchildren. He was the oldest of seven siblings Mary Lee Jackson (Danny), Jack James (Marsha), Sue Ellen Kincaid (Bud), Danny James (Paige), Becky Lawrie (Jeff), and Ted James. He is predeceased by his parents John James and Bonnie Tweedy James and his bonus daughter Carolee Ettline Moore (Rusty).

Dick will be remembered as a man of many talents and interests who could complete a tax return as easily as he could whip up a gourmet meal. His stories, his music, and his steady presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Celebrations of Dick’s life will be held in Charleston, SC and Rushville, IN.