A Few Believed in Me

<p>This memoir traces the life and good times of Jim Lowney the son of Irish immigrants who overcame struggles in the classroom and discouragement from some early detractors. Following his dream Jim would become a passionate journalist. He was an enthusiastic staff photographer on the old Newark Evening News and captured a memorable image of President John F. Kennedy not long before his assassination. Jim's days and nights as a spot news photographer would bring him into the midst of devastating fires and accidents vicious murders and violent urban riots. Jim also covered the personal stories of New Jersey's Irish community for more than 30 years for the New York Irish Echo and Philadelphia Irish Edition. After his newspaper career which included a stint as a New Jersey correspondent for The New York Times the author would rise in the world of corporate public relations eventually becoming president of two major New Jersey public relations organizations. Jim's chronological narrative including dozens of photos not only vividly describes the stories he covered for several newspapers but offers young people an inspiring message - follow one's dream. Although there will always be those who don't see potential in a person and cruelly offer them little hope of success there are still the few good people who have the vision to believe and encourage a struggler. Cover photo: Lowney photographing a fire in Newark N.J. in the aftermath of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in April 1968. Photo by Joe Marts. New Jersey native Jim Lowney worked for more than 50 years as a photographer reporter and editor on daily newspapers and in public relations. While contributing as a columnist for several Irish American newspapers Jim also established a career as a corporate and education public relations manager. Along his travels he has photographed interviewed and chatted with many notable people including Presidents Truman Kennedy Nixon and Obama Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. movie stars Maureen O'Hara and Audie Murphy and authors Leon and Jill Uris. In the sporting world he crossed paths with boxer Mickey The Toy Bulldog Walker and Yankee great Phil Scooter Rizzuto. Jim lives in Toms River New Jersey with his wife Mary and yellow Labrador Macy.They enjoy the same home where Jim and Mary raised their four children Jim Jr. Maureen Sean and Patrick.</p>