I have read through all of the stories about you father and it all brings tears to my eyes. I remember partying with the Rogers boys. You may not remember at all but ....I did.
I coached little Piper in volleyball and adored you. My thoughts and deepest sympathy go out to all of you.
Debbie Meredith
Father, Husband, Brother, Friend, Doctor, Engineer, Pilot, Teacher, Veteran, 1946 - 2009
James William Howell, 1946 - 2009, Rest in Peace
UPDATE (04/25/10): The stories are now in reverse chronological order (newest first) and are paginated. Jump to the latest story.
UPDATE (04/04/09): Here are the two slideshows we played at the funeral.
Jim's Mistress:
Jim's Mistress on Vimeo.
James W. Howell, 1946 - 2009, Rest in Peace:
James W. Howell, 1946 - 2009, RIP on Vimeo.
UPDATE (03/26/09): I want to start off by extending my family's gratitude to all of you for sharing your memories of my Dad, James W. Howell. We treasure every one of them. I'd also like to thank all of you who have come forward to support us during this time and all those of you who were able to celebrate his life during the service on Saturday. Thank you.
I'd also like to thank anyone who ever crossed paths with my Dad during his life, as every little moment of time adds up to the amazing life he lived, and all the love that he shared with the world. I think if he were here today, he would be overwhelmed at all the love and friendship he had in the world, because that's just the kind of man he was.
I plan to leave this site up indefinitely as a tribute to him, so feel free to continue sharing your stories. Over time I will add to the site, including photos and video, so feel free to stop back by from time to time. I'm always open to any suggestions and comments (LJHowell@gmail.com).
James William Howell passed away this morning at 7:25am (03/15/09) as a result of respiratory failure. He had been having some health problems recently, but this was completely unexpected.
It's hard to believe that we won't ever be able to speak to him again, or laugh with him or tell him how much we love him. I know that I will miss him dearly for the rest of my life.
However, there is no doubt he led a wonderful life. He did so many amazing things and touched many people's lives along the way. This website is a tribute to him and a way for those who knew him to celebrate his life, and to give some insight into what a great man he was.
Our family would love to hear some of your thoughts, your stories, the laughs you shared, or any favorite memory that comes to mind. Just enter your story in the form below (here) and click submit. It should show up directly below the form (here). You can also email me if that is easier for you (LJHowell@gmail.com). Please share photos if you have them - just email those to me and I will post them.
We are planning to have a funeral for him in Lander, Wyoming this coming Saturday (03/21/09). Following that, our family will spread his ashes in the Bighorn Mountains.
UPDATE (3/17/09) - Funeral & Reception Information:
Hudson's Funeral Home Chapel of Mount Hope
680 Mount Hope Drive, Lander, WY 82520 (Map) (Lander Hotels)
Saturday, 03/21/09, at 11am.
Following the funeral we plan to have a reception at Hunt Field Airport (Lander Airport) (Map). We also hope to have our Dad's RV-4 (photo) there.
We will also offer some time for anyone who would like to say a few words in his honor.
UPDATE #2 (3/17/09) - Cards:
If you would like to send a card, please use my parents home address:
Jim Howell & Maureen Donohoue
837 E. 17th Ave, Apt. 3G
Denver, CO 80218
Thank you to everyone who has reached out to us and to all of you who have shared your memories. It means a lot to everyone in our family.
Feel free to contact me at LJHowell@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Lucas Howell
Please Share Your Story
Story submission form removed due to ever persistent spammers (bastards)!
Please email me any stories and I will happily post them here.
Thanks!
Lucas
Media
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Lander Journal Newspaper Article from July 30th, 1984.
(May need to zoom in on it for easy viewing). -
En Route to Spacecamp with Lucas Rogers and Lucas Howell (Summer, 1989?)
(Thanks Luke!).
March 24, 2009
Deborah Meredith
March 23, 2009
Bryce Hammond
I was able to get know Jim and Maureen for the past few years and Lucas for the past year. I referred to them as Coyote Systems and that included all three. I always enjoyed it when Jim and Maureen would come down to Dulce. They always had a surprise for some of us like bring donuts or sweet rolls, fruit, sandwhich fixings from Pagosa Springs where they usually stayed, always willing to share with everyone. Maureen even gave acupuncture to some employees. I regret that I missed the home made eggrolls. I wasn't able to attend all of the trainings that they offered to out our department due to other commitments, but when I did attend, Jim was very precise in what he wanted for us to learn. He would try to make sure that nobody was left in the clouds before he left. I would get an email or call if Jim thought of something that could make my job easier. If it wasn't for Coyote Systems, the Jicarilla Oil and Gas Department would still be in the 20th Century when it comes to our well data. It's because of them and their vision for our department that we now have a website with all information needed for our vendors and operators. I remember when Jim asked me if I had any free time because he wanted to show me something pretty neat on the computer. I told him to come in now. He logged on to Google Earth and showed me how to type in your area and how you can zoom into that area. He was also as excited to show me the Well Finder web page which Lucas built. He was very proud of him. He along with Lucas showed me how to operate the page to find a well that I needed to find. He always asked me if I knew of any other ways that he could help to make my job easier. If I did, not to hesitate to give him a call or email and he would see what he could do. Sometimes we let the job get in our way and we don't get to know the person that affects our lives. I thought that I knew him fairly well but I did not know that he was a doctor or a pilot. I wish that I would have put work aside and was able to get to know the real Jim Howell. I do however have my memories. I am really glad that I was able to share part of his life. He will be greatly missed and my prayers our with the rest of the family. God Bless!
March 23, 2009
Anonymous
Love is patient love is kind. Jim was so many things to so many people. The world has lost a truly great man. Sorry he didn't know you better. You were a great man of amazing charactor. You will be missed more than you know. Thank you Jim for always being so kind to my son. He has never forgotten you.
March 22, 2009
Bob Fallbeck
I met Jim when he and Maureen signed up for Aikido in Lander in January of 1997. Aikido can be a slow and difficult martial art to learn, but class after class Jim never failed to bring a sincere curiosity and shining humor to the mat. Any time Jim found a concept or a technique he didn't quite understand, he would become almost joyful with the challenge and excitement of having something new to unravel. Where others might get frustrated, he brought an almost childlike energy, focus, and joy to the new puzzle.
Once, Jim caught his toe on the mat during class and broke it. He sat down on the mat, realigned the bones, and insisted on finishing class. After seeing that, I wasn't sure *I* could finish class, but who am I to stand in the way of that kind of dedication/pain tolerance/masochism?
As I got to know him, it became clear what a rare and remarkable person he was. He called himself an intellectual gypsy as a way to explain his accomplishments in very different fields. I always thought of it as his way of dancing through the world. He carried his powerful intellect so lightly and shared his discoveries and interests in a positive, inviting way. "Hey guys, look what I found!" So many people with fewer abilities succumb to hubris or arrogance. I can't even think of Jim and those words at the same time. He took his gifts and regifted them.
The things I will always carry with me are the plane rides over the Wind River Mountains, the time we shared on the mat as Aikido students, learning that Absolut vodka belongs in the freezer and should be mixed with a bit of 7-Up, the concern for my lack of romantic life at the time (though that may have been more Maureen, come to think of it), the Viagra tie, and the "No Parking Except for Bob" sign which still hangs in my bathroom over the throne.
I haven't talked to Jim since the early 2000s but when I heard he died, I cried more than I have in years. I keep thinking there is a Jim-shaped hole in the world and we are all poorer now for losing him, but I know that is unfair. He did his part by improving us and now our part is to carry that forward. I am a long way from his example, but I know that when I grow up I want to be like Jim.
A thousand bows to you, James.
Once, Jim caught his toe on the mat during class and broke it. He sat down on the mat, realigned the bones, and insisted on finishing class. After seeing that, I wasn't sure *I* could finish class, but who am I to stand in the way of that kind of dedication/pain tolerance/masochism?
As I got to know him, it became clear what a rare and remarkable person he was. He called himself an intellectual gypsy as a way to explain his accomplishments in very different fields. I always thought of it as his way of dancing through the world. He carried his powerful intellect so lightly and shared his discoveries and interests in a positive, inviting way. "Hey guys, look what I found!" So many people with fewer abilities succumb to hubris or arrogance. I can't even think of Jim and those words at the same time. He took his gifts and regifted them.
The things I will always carry with me are the plane rides over the Wind River Mountains, the time we shared on the mat as Aikido students, learning that Absolut vodka belongs in the freezer and should be mixed with a bit of 7-Up, the concern for my lack of romantic life at the time (though that may have been more Maureen, come to think of it), the Viagra tie, and the "No Parking Except for Bob" sign which still hangs in my bathroom over the throne.
I haven't talked to Jim since the early 2000s but when I heard he died, I cried more than I have in years. I keep thinking there is a Jim-shaped hole in the world and we are all poorer now for losing him, but I know that is unfair. He did his part by improving us and now our part is to carry that forward. I am a long way from his example, but I know that when I grow up I want to be like Jim.
A thousand bows to you, James.
March 21, 2009
Norman Hillmer
It was a pleasure working with Jim from the head of the table. He was perceptive thorough, very caring, and a real friend. We pray the best for Maureen and all the family.
March 21, 2009
Margy Irvine
Knew Dr. Howell as our family's physician in Lander. When he left, we have never been able to replace him. His cross between holistic and traditional medicine was so unusal and wonderful. Not only getting the best of both worlds, Dr. Howell, as a physician, truly knew how to listen to his patients! When you were with him he never rushed you nor made you feel like he was thinking of the next patient or the one that needed him even more in the hospital.
Loved seeing him around town and attending the kids school functions.
Thank you to his family for sharing him with his patients.
Loved seeing him around town and attending the kids school functions.
Thank you to his family for sharing him with his patients.
March 21, 2009
John Gans
We got to know Dr. Howell when he started taking "drop ins" at the Lander clinic. With three young kids at the time there was always something going on that brought them up to the clinic. Dr. Howell was always reassuring and put things in perspective when one was worried about their children. Somehow being with him just made the kids and the parents know that all would be O.K.
His humor was appreciated and usually needed. He connected with all ages and all people. We are so sorry to hear of his passing.
John & Steff
Lander
His humor was appreciated and usually needed. He connected with all ages and all people. We are so sorry to hear of his passing.
John & Steff
Lander
March 21, 2009
Roulette Keevert
I just want to express my condolences. I remember getting a phone call and being asked to come for an interview as I had applied for a different job some months before at the Lander Medical Clinic and then had taken a job elsewhere so was surprised to get this call. When he said it was for a medical assistant, I asked "Did you see my resume?" I was sure there was some mistake. Probably was for him but I enjoyed working with him for 4 years. I learned so much and enjoyed our discussions every day from alto cumulus standing linticular clouds ( I have no idea if that is completely correct) to grape leaves and even medicine occasionally.
He was very caring and would agonize over just the right way to put in a stitch that would heal without leaving much of a scar. I learned a lot about care and caring. He would demonstate something and really loved teaching. I would say he would have been a great teacher but he was that. He really did care about people in that easygoing way of his. He would show up with coffee for me every morning when I had to have surgery and be in the hospital.
His sometimes wicked sense of humor was a delight to me. It made long hours and sometimes very stressful days bearable and even mostly enjoyable.
I respected his ability to make whoever he was talking with the center of attention. And I loved to see him talk about Maureen or his kids.
Mostly, I have a great sense of gratitude for having had the honor of working with such a person. The impact he left on people will continue long after this. Someone will do something they were afraid to do, or make a change in their lives due to his inspiration. He left the world better and that is a really wonderful legacy.
He was very caring and would agonize over just the right way to put in a stitch that would heal without leaving much of a scar. I learned a lot about care and caring. He would demonstate something and really loved teaching. I would say he would have been a great teacher but he was that. He really did care about people in that easygoing way of his. He would show up with coffee for me every morning when I had to have surgery and be in the hospital.
His sometimes wicked sense of humor was a delight to me. It made long hours and sometimes very stressful days bearable and even mostly enjoyable.
I respected his ability to make whoever he was talking with the center of attention. And I loved to see him talk about Maureen or his kids.
Mostly, I have a great sense of gratitude for having had the honor of working with such a person. The impact he left on people will continue long after this. Someone will do something they were afraid to do, or make a change in their lives due to his inspiration. He left the world better and that is a really wonderful legacy.
March 21, 2009
GARY LAUGHTON
My father Joe Laughton was Jim's 5th grade teacher at Taylor.school. I was in 4th grade and dad at the beginning of the school year agonized over Jim because he had never had such a brillant and intelligent student and was concerned he wouldn't be able to keep Jim's interest. Well it didn't take dad long to realize Jim was helping his class mates with school work and caring about others and yet Jim challenged himself and others to such a high degree then and all through life.
The cover ot the "1964 Bronc" year book is one of Jim's many talents.
He was my sister's physcian at the Lander State School and took such interest and loving care of her. On one visit he said " i need to show you something" and we went to his residence on campus and of course it was his homebuilt aircraft project.
Thanks Jim for your lifetime of caring.
The cover ot the "1964 Bronc" year book is one of Jim's many talents.
He was my sister's physcian at the Lander State School and took such interest and loving care of her. On one visit he said " i need to show you something" and we went to his residence on campus and of course it was his homebuilt aircraft project.
Thanks Jim for your lifetime of caring.
March 21, 2009
Darrell Leonhardt
I inquired at the Lander airport to see if anyone could teach me to fly instruments. Jim called me back and asked me to come over and meet him to see if it "would work out". Well, Jim and I hit it off right away. He was just that kind of guy. His perfect, tiny writing shows itself in my logbook from 9-13-00 to 9-26 01. He liked to guide me over the Gas Hills with foggles on "just to see you sweat." There was the time we took Lucas to Laramie...rough air, Lucas sick (no mess) One time we could fly but he HAD to be back to see Piper off to the prom and his "on call" days we hung around local area in case he was summoned to (as he called it) "catch the baby ". During this pivotal time in his life, he would say, "I'm going to put every thing I need in a yellow gypsy cart and wheel off for a different life". What a privelege for me to learn something so difficult from some one so accomplished as Jim. He got me through the instrument rating and off he went to AZ and received his multi instrument instructors cert and the next day took another test to obtain his Airline Transport Pilot rating. What a week! I think we all realize that Jim was exceptionally gifted and all of us have benefited from him sharing his life . Condolences with the greatest of respect. Darrell
March 20, 2009
Bonnie Leonhardt
When Darrell was flying often with Jim in 2000, I'd ride along and wait at Hunt Field. They'd come in, both so happy from another session in the air. I often read the Norman Vincent Peale book sitting under the coffee table and one time Jim said to me, "That must be inspiring..." I said it was, but thought to myself ~ that he was inspiring. Darrell always said the same thing, "What a great guy!"
At the end of their flying time I wanted Darrell to give Jim a gift, so I ordered a navy blue tie with white airplanes and compass roses on it, and Darrell gave it to him. I asked Darrell how that went...He handed it to Jim and he whipped off the tie he had on (from being a Dr. that day) and put his new one on, right there in the plane. Darrell was never really so comfortable in a tie until flying with "Howellee." After that year of being together, Darrell came away a great pilot AND a spiffier dresser.
Your loss is great, for he was great. My sympathy...Bonnie Leonhardt
At the end of their flying time I wanted Darrell to give Jim a gift, so I ordered a navy blue tie with white airplanes and compass roses on it, and Darrell gave it to him. I asked Darrell how that went...He handed it to Jim and he whipped off the tie he had on (from being a Dr. that day) and put his new one on, right there in the plane. Darrell was never really so comfortable in a tie until flying with "Howellee." After that year of being together, Darrell came away a great pilot AND a spiffier dresser.
Your loss is great, for he was great. My sympathy...Bonnie Leonhardt
March 20, 2009
Michael Ockinga
I had the privilige to know Dr. Howell well for about 8 years. Dr. Howell was a kind, caring gentle man. I am very glad I knew him.
March 20, 2009
Sandy Mossbrook
Jim and I worked together at WSTS in the late 1980's. The picture of him I still have in my mind is his coming in for morning rounds, wearing an unzipped black leather flight jacket, styrofoam cup of coffee in hand, always ready with lots of miscellaneous medical information to help solve a tricky diagnosis. He looked like a cross between a fighter pilot and a physician, not a combination you see too often! Jim had the tiniest, most precise, most easy to read handwriting I've ever seen, another trait not often found in physicians! And, way back then, he developed a medical records computer system that lasted us about 10 years, an eternity in medical software development time. Most physicians wouldn't even attempt such a feat, then OR now!
Jim, with his many talents, left us way too soon. But even though we miss him, hopefully all the wonderful memories will give some comfort to his family...
Jim, with his many talents, left us way too soon. But even though we miss him, hopefully all the wonderful memories will give some comfort to his family...
March 20, 2009
Tara Hunnicutt Beattie
This website is so wonderful. I have enjoyed reading the memories.
Here is my little addition:
I worked with Jim and Maureen several years ago when I was a Land consultant. I learned most of my land knowledge from Maureen. I learned most of my database knowledge from Jim. On a larger project, I worked closely with Jim on a database that he designed. I had never done any work on development of databases so I was excited to be a part of it. And I truly felt like I WAS a part of it even though Jim was obviously the brains behind it all. I called him A LOT with questions. He would always make me feel like I was smart even when I thought I was asking a stupid question. I learned so much from the experience.
Jim was one of the most intelligent people I have ever known. Yet he was also one of the most patient people I have ever known as well. Those two attributes don't always go hand in hand. I feel blessed to have known him for the past few years.
I will miss him, his sense of humor and his laugh! My thoughts are with the entire family!
Tara
Here is my little addition:
I worked with Jim and Maureen several years ago when I was a Land consultant. I learned most of my land knowledge from Maureen. I learned most of my database knowledge from Jim. On a larger project, I worked closely with Jim on a database that he designed. I had never done any work on development of databases so I was excited to be a part of it. And I truly felt like I WAS a part of it even though Jim was obviously the brains behind it all. I called him A LOT with questions. He would always make me feel like I was smart even when I thought I was asking a stupid question. I learned so much from the experience.
Jim was one of the most intelligent people I have ever known. Yet he was also one of the most patient people I have ever known as well. Those two attributes don't always go hand in hand. I feel blessed to have known him for the past few years.
I will miss him, his sense of humor and his laugh! My thoughts are with the entire family!
Tara
March 20, 2009
Jessie Israel
One of my greatest regrets is not giving Jim a birthday card on his last birthday. Here is what his birthday card would have said:
Just a few of the things I loved about Jim Howell:
* How you knew a lot about a lot of things and a little about everything.
* The little guy that everyone looked up to - every person that I met that you knew you could tell what an amazing person we are.
* You could do anything.
* I loved your little black clicky loafers..they made me smile.
* The way you talked about delicious food...like it was a love affair...along that line, your predictable love of comfort food was heart warming.
* I loved to listen to you explain your latest techy gadget.
* I loved how we had our spots on the couch.
* Loved watching TV and talking about politics.
* I loved the way you hugged me goodbuy every time I left.
* As a person grows older you begin to see the world's and people's imperfections, not wiht you...you became more and more impressive.
* How you and Muareen filled in each others spaces in your stories.
* I loved the sound of your voice.
* I love the thought of your hands on your desk closing the top, the last day of your life. Seeing your hands set down the piece of wood..
* The thing I love most about Jim was knowing you.
Love Always...in every moment of Lucas' and I's life together,
Jessie
Just a few of the things I loved about Jim Howell:
* How you knew a lot about a lot of things and a little about everything.
* The little guy that everyone looked up to - every person that I met that you knew you could tell what an amazing person we are.
* You could do anything.
* I loved your little black clicky loafers..they made me smile.
* The way you talked about delicious food...like it was a love affair...along that line, your predictable love of comfort food was heart warming.
* I loved to listen to you explain your latest techy gadget.
* I loved how we had our spots on the couch.
* Loved watching TV and talking about politics.
* I loved the way you hugged me goodbuy every time I left.
* As a person grows older you begin to see the world's and people's imperfections, not wiht you...you became more and more impressive.
* How you and Muareen filled in each others spaces in your stories.
* I loved the sound of your voice.
* I love the thought of your hands on your desk closing the top, the last day of your life. Seeing your hands set down the piece of wood..
* The thing I love most about Jim was knowing you.
Love Always...in every moment of Lucas' and I's life together,
Jessie