Flags on campus are lowered in memory of James Low, an emeritus professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

With over 100 published papers and book chapters, Dr. Low was recognized internationally as a pioneer in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology and the study of fetal asphyxia and brain damage. He also taught and mentored generations of physicians and surgeons.

Dr. Low’s extraordinary career of service included significant contributions to departmental administration. When he arrived in Kingston in 1965 to assume the position of professor, he also served as the head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and chief of service at Kingston General Hospital. As the head of the department, a position he held until 1985, Dr. Low developed the research program and helped make the post-graduate residency program one of the most sought after in the country. Under Dr. Low's guidance, the department earned accoldades internationally for academic achievement in the areas of maternal/fetal medicine and urogynaecology.

Following his retirement, Dr. Low founded the Museum of Health Care at Kingston in 1991, the only institution in Canada dedicated to the history of health care. He served as its inaugural volunteer executive director until the end of 2012. He continued to volunteer with the museum as its advancement officer.

In July 2014, Dr. Low was named a member of the Order of Canada, the second highest honour of merit in Canada.  He was also an honorary life member of the University Council having received a Distinguished Service Award in 2007 in recognition of his 50 years of leadership and dedication to the university.

A private family service has taken place. A celebration of life will be held in his honor at St. Thomas’s Anglican Church (130 Lakeview Ave., Kingston) at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Museum of Health Care at Kingston would be appreciated by the family (Ann Baillie Building, 32 George St., Kingston, Ont. K7L 2V7).