Dr. John E. “Jack” Lowe, DVM was an accomplished equine veterinarian, respected horseman, and distinguished professor emeritus and alumni of Cornell University, whose impact was felt far beyond his professional accomplishments. Throughout his life, he was known by many titles - son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, mentor, colleague, outdoorsman, and educator. To his grandchildren, he was simply and lovingly “Papa Doc”.

 Dr. Lowe devoted his life to advancing veterinary medicine, particularly in the field of equine health. He started his journey with horses as a member and later a squadron major of the 102nd New Jersey National Guard Cavalry Mechanized Unit’s youth program, the Junior Essex Troop.

 A graduate of Rutgers University and Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, he spent his entire professional career at Cornell as a surgeon, educator, researcher, and mentor. Dr. Lowe pioneered numerous surgical techniques, and contributed to groundbreaking research that improved the health and care of horses and farm animals around the world. He served as Director of the Cornell Equine Research Park, helped shape drug control policies within the horse show industry as a member of the AHSA drug control committee, and originated the United States Equestrian Federation Equine Health Research Fund. He was widely respected as a veterinarian, teacher, and advocate for animal welfare. 

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, Dr. Lowe received numerous honors, including Cornell’s Daniel Elmer Salmon Award for Distinguished Alumni Service, the college’s highest alumni honor. He also earned the distinction of Horseperson of the Year Award from the New York State Horse Council. 

Outside of his duties at Cornell and even after his retirement, Dr. Lowe continued to serve the veterinary profession and equine community through research, consulting, and working as a horseshow veterinarian; most notably for the National Horse Show, as well as both the Lake Placid Horse Show series and the Sussex County Fair Horse show for over 50 years.

 Beyond his professional achievements, Jack was an avid hunter and fisherman, a skilled gardener, and a talented grill master who took great pride in sharing meals with family and friends out of his prized possession, his meat smoker.

Jack was an enthusiastic (if not particularly skilled) dancer, and a lifelong lover of Western films and Johnny Cash. Whether traveling with his wife, Joyce, embarking on a road trip with his grandchildren or to visit his friends, offering words of encouragement from the sidelines of horse shows and countless sporting events from hockey to baseball and everything in between, or simply spending time with those he loved, he approached life with enthusiasm, humor, and generosity.

Jack’s greatest legacy is the love and guidance he provided to his family. He inspired in his children and grandchildren a love of learning, hard work, an appreciation for the outdoors, and a deep respect for animals of all kinds. He held people to a high standard, and everyone who loved him will remember him not only for his extraordinary professional accomplishments, but also for his wisdom, kindness, no-nonsense integrity, and unwavering devotion to his family and friends. 

Jack is survived by his wife, Joyce Lowe, his children William Lowe (Melissa Hine) and Stacy Lowe-Jonas (Hugh Jonas), his grandchildren Jaclyn (Dylan) Brennan, Richard J. Calale III, and Sterling T. Calale, his stepchildren Michael and Melissa McNaughton, step grandchildren Michaela McNaughton, Mackenzie McNaughton (John Woodworth) and Jordan McNaughton, and nieces and nephews Debra (Michael) Flanigan, Steve (Anne) Lowe, and Scott Lowe. 

He is predeceased by his beloved parents, Franklin Lowe and Edna Trivet Lowe, as well as his brother, Robert Edward Lowe and sister-in-law, Yvonne H. “Bonnie” Lowe. 

In lieu of flowers, Jack’s family has asked that gifts be made in his memory to The Jack Lowe Equine Health Fund. Contributions may be sent via check (payable to Cornell University) to: 

The Jack Lowe Equine Health Fund Cornell University

PO Box 37334

Boone, IA 50037–0334

Or online contributions can be made at this link: https://cornel.ly/inhonorofjacklowe

A Celebration of Jack's Incredible life is planned for July 25th, 2026 at the Dryden VFW- 4:30-6pm memories and stories. 6pm-8pm Live music by The Tarps!! Please RSVP to CelebrateJack725@gmail.com or text 607-227-2538.