Mr. Jack Stow

Jack Stow lost his year long battle with lung cancer on April 24, 2015 with his sense of humor in tact, with thoughts and appreciation for his family and friends and a spunky smile on his face. Determined not to let the diagnosis overtake him, he made a valiant dash to the finish line. While the journey's end was not what we hoped for, God was at his side on his personal journey. Jack chose to battle cancer his own way which is typical of the way he approached his life. We could not have imagined it being done in any other way. Since his days as a Boy Scout, Jack's propensity for using words led many to tell him that, with his "gift for gab," he'd certainly end up being nothing other than a salesman. That is exactly what happened. His formal education included a degree in law from John Marshall Law School yet the lure of the salesman overcame his interest in law. Jack entered law school while working for Retail Credit Company. Law school continued with his move to Atlantic Steel Company. There he began his 53 year career in the steel business and his love of sales deepened. In truth, that proved what many said years ago and he really did enjoy his gift of gab. Jack served in various positions at Atlantic Steel Company including several sales positions in Jackson, MS, Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA as well as Assistant Sales Manager of Rolled Products, Regional Sales Manager, and lastly, Manager of Rolled Products. During his time as Regional Sales Manager Jack was instrumental in the development of a new product at Atlantic Steel, Covan 50, a product developed for the exclusive use in the pre-engineered metal building industry. Jack felt a call for a new challenge twenty-five years ago when he accepted employment with Commercial Metals Company out of the Birmingham, AL office. This allowed Jack to continue the pull from sales as District Salesman for several years. Requested to look in another direction, he was appointed Sales Project Manager which included being the facilitator of four steel schools per year, two corporate training sessions per year, and of CMC's memorable special events such as the Masters Tournament, Talladega race week-ends,duck hunting trips, and SEC Championship week-ends. Many have lasting memories of these events. His parents, Margie and Frank Stow, noticed this gift of gab soon after his birth on May 25, 1941 when Jack arrived on the scene in Atlanta. As often mentioned to his children he had to walk to school through rain, sleet and snow, although this was just across the street to Garden Hills Grammar School and North Fulton High School. Church affiliation began early as his church pastor and family lived with the Stows for a period of time. Jack's mother, who served as the church organist, and his father encouraged his participation in many church skits, plays and activities which further enriched his faith and gregariousness. His faith strengthened through membership in several churches and ultimately he became an active member of Northbrook UMC where he served a long term as head usher. One of Jack fondest achievements was attaining the rank of Eagle Scout only to be topped by his son Chris' attainment of the same rank many years later. Through all of this it sounds like Jack had time for nothing else; however, his love of the game of golf (whose skill never threatened anyone) and his ability to relax fully and completely while fishing (sometimes he even brought bait) were two hobbies that added to his enjoyment of life. His natural and open friendliness certainly had an impact on others. Thank you, Jack. Jack's life was enriched by the love of Connie Castleberry Stow, his wife of 31 years, their son Chris Stow and his wife Kelley; his children by a previous marriage, Julie Stow Miller, her husband Jim of Cumming, GA and Tom Stow of Corvalis, OR and granddaughters, Brandy Miller and Caitlin Stow. He also will be missed by his brother Randy Stow and wife Judy of Smith Mountain Lake, VA, sister-in-law Nancy Reynolds, Bob Reynolds, nephews Michael Reynolds and Matthew Reynolds and nieces Sarah Stow McDonnell, Anna Stow Houser, and Kelly Stow Dockery. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law, Judy Castleberry. His family is grateful for the compassionate care given by the outstanding staff of Halcyon Hospice with special appreciation to Michael Fugazzi and Carla Brooks. A celebration of Jack's life will be held on Tuesday, April 28th at 12:00 pm at Northbrook United Methodist Church (11225 Crabapple Rd, Roswell, GA 30075), with the Reverends Tom Elliott, Rodrigo Cruz, and Hannah Garrett Johnson officiating. A reception will follow at the church. For those wishing to make a memorial donation in Jack's memory, please consider Northbrook UMC or Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation at 1100 Industrial Rd #1 San Carlos, CA 94070.

Mr. Jack Stow

May 25, 1941 - April 24, 2015