Getting to know Jim has been a real experience. Working with him, Maureen and Lucas with our department was a pleasure. I've only known Jim a short time, but he really had a profound impact on my life. While working with him, I got to know a side of him that I really enjoyed. He was a compassionate individual as well as a very patient person. He took time out of his busy life to talk with me, email me, and text me from time to time. Jim you will surely be missed, and I feel Maureen and Lucas are apart of our Oil and Gas family here in New Mexico. My prayers go out to the Howell and Rogers families. Your father was a truly genuine human being with a heart the size of the world and ambitions he knew were not impossible to achieve. You will always be a part of my life, my friend.

Billie Lee: My heart goes out to you and your other family members. Was so sad to hear the news of Jimmy's passing. My memories are of you and your family living behind Sharps Grocery. God Bless you all. Hope to see you at our 50th Class Reunion July 10, 11 and 12.
With Sincerey Sympathy, DAVID P. FILBERT

Maureen, Judd, Luke and Gabe.

I am sorry beyond words.

--John

Dr. Howell became my physician about the same time I became friends with Gwen, ~1991. I will always remember him as the first physician who really listened to me, and seemed to want to hear what I had to say - no small thing to a know-it-all teenager. I harbor delusions of med school and always considered Dr. Howell an ideal example of the kind of medicine that's best to practice, which has been summed up more eloquently than I can muster by folks above me on this page.

I'll never forget his succinct assessment at one particular diagnosis: "Well, either you have a raging cocaine habit, or allergic rhinitis. Which one do you think it is?" An adult speaking to a kid like that - respect, wit, humor. I loved it. His smile was warm and utterly genuine. I was stunned to hear of his passing.

Maureen, Gwen, Lucas, Piper, Judd, Lucas, Gabe - and extended families - please know that the Long Family is thinking of all of you during this tough time.

Maureen, Judd, Luke and Gabe.

I am sorry beyond words.

--John

Wow, where to start. Over the past week I've sit here and reminesced about the clinic days and Dr. Howell. He was a doctor who I feel genuinely cared about his patients and staff. He was a doctor who you could see on the street and address him and not feel like you were bugging him. There were times I would see him out and about and talking with one of his patients. There were times when I would see him and he would say hi out in public and ask how things were going and it made a difference to me because that meant that I was a real person and not just another "employee".

Dr. Howell was the first person to ever put stitches in my son's head. He told me, "Mom, you might wanna wait in the waiting room" ... and so thankful I did afterwards. He would always joke with me about where my kids were ... my response was ... I left them in the car with the windows up and the heat on in 90 zillion degree weather. He would always laugh because he knew that was a huge pet peeve of mine.

I remember the song that was presented to him at a Christmas party with Barb Schultz and Linda Cooper and I believe Jennie Myers. That was funny! I remember the ninja halloween and poor Pat Persson and laughing and laughing. I remember the snake in Dr. Gilbertson's office and Dr. Howell holding it and somehow it got free and darted underneath his tie and in between the bottons of his shirt. One time we had a tape in the dictation room that was a bad tape and somehow he ended up with it. OOPS ... I worked and worked on that tape to get it to where I could get a lot of the dictation off of it and he got me a gift for my efforts. I was so shocked because it was my job. However after that I learned why he was so happy, he was tempted to run over his machine AGAIN ...

He was just an amazing doctor and an amazing person. I just knew him from an employee/employer and he often was the physician for my kids. In just those dealings he has left a lifelong impression on my heart. I will miss him dearly.

Wow, where to start. Over the past week I've sit here and reminesced about the clinic days and Dr. Howell. He was a doctor who I feel genuinely cared about his patients and staff. He was a doctor who you could see on the street and address him and not feel like you were bugging him. There were times I would see him out and about and talking with one of his patients. There were times when I would see him and he would say hi out in public and ask how things were going and it made a difference to me because that meant that I was a real person and not just another "employee".

Dr. Howell was the first person to ever put stitches in my son's head. He told me, "Mom, you might wanna wait in the waiting room" ... and so thankful I did afterwards. He would always joke with me about where my kids were ... my response was ... I left them in the car with the windows up and the heat on in 90 zillion degree weather. He would always laugh because he knew that was a huge pet peeve of mine.

I remember the song that was presented to him at a Christmas party with Barb Schultz and Linda Cooper and I believe Jennie Myers. That was funny! I remember the ninja halloween and poor Pat Persson and laughing and laughing. I remember the snake in Dr. Gilbertson's office and Dr. Howell holding it and somehow it got free and darted underneath his tie and in between the bottons of his shirt. One time we had a tape in the dictation room that was a bad tape and somehow he ended up with it. OOPS ... I worked and worked on that tape to get it to where I could get a lot of the dictation off of it and he got me a gift for my efforts. I was so shocked because it was my job. However after that I learned why he was so happy, he was tempted to run over his machine AGAIN ...

He was just an amazing doctor and an amazing person. I just knew him from an employee/employer and he often was the physician for my kids. In just those dealings he has left a lifelong impression on my heart. I will miss him dearly.

Wow, where to start. Over the past week I've sit here and reminesced about the clinic days and Dr. Howell. He was a doctor who I feel genuinely cared about his patients and staff. He was a doctor who you could see on the street and address him and not feel like you were bugging him. There were times I would see him out and about and talking with one of his patients. There were times when I would see him and he would say hi out in public and ask how things were going and it made a difference to me because that meant that I was a real person and not just another "employee".

Dr. Howell was the first person to ever put stitches in my son's head. He told me, "Mom, you might wanna wait in the waiting room" ... and so thankful I did afterwards. He would always joke with me about where my kids were ... my response was ... I left them in the car with the windows up and the heat on in 90 zillion degree weather. He would always laugh because he knew that was a huge pet peeve of mine.

I remember the song that was presented to him at a Christmas party with Barb Schultz and Linda Cooper and I believe Jennie Myers. That was funny! I remember the ninja halloween and poor Pat Persson and laughing and laughing. I remember the snake in Dr. Gilbertson's office and Dr. Howell holding it and somehow it got free and darted underneath his tie and in between the bottons of his shirt. One time we had a tape in the dictation room that was a bad tape and somehow he ended up with it. OOPS ... I worked and worked on that tape to get it to where I could get a lot of the dictation off of it and he got me a gift for my efforts. I was so shocked because it was my job. However after that I learned why he was so happy, he was tempted to run over his machine AGAIN ...

He was just an amazing doctor and an amazing person. I just knew him from an employee/employer and he often was the physician for my kids. In just those dealings he has left a lifelong impression on my heart. I will miss him dearly.

Lucas, thank you for creating this place where friends and family can post comments. These stories are a wonderful tribute to your father.

I was probably about the first person from Lander to meet Jim. I was the Director of the Health Care Center at the time that he applied for work at WSTS, and distinctly remember the day that I interviewed him. I knew right away that he was a "keeper". We worked together for several years until my husband & I moved to Laramie in 1989 ... and then on to Oregon.

Jim was one of the most brilliant people I have known ... yet also one of the most humble. He didn't boast, he wasn't aggressive, he didn't step on anyone to get ahead, and he was always respectful of others, no matter what their "status" in life. He was a joy to work with ... very fun-loving, enthusiastic, and a genuine friend. In fact, his ability to be a friend is the theme that seems to come through most clearly in the messages that are posted here. He was a very good-hearted person who willingly gave of himself for others.

Gwen, Lucas, and Piper ... you were the highlight of his life in the days that I knew him. He loved you dearly, and was extremely proud of you.

My deepest condolences to all of you - Maureen, Gwen, Lucas, Piper, Judd, Luke, and Gabe.

Nancy Findholt

I had the awesome privilege of working with Dr. Howell at the Lander Medical Clinic for nearly 10 years. He was the most intelligent man I've ever known. He had such humility, but there wasn't anything he didn't know or couldn't do. He was a great teacher and took time many times to share his knowlege with me.

As you all know, he loved to fly and would try to explain to me how he could stall the engine of his plane, let it start to spiral downward and then restart it in mid-air. He'd name off all the components that were necessary to make that "perfect" landing. I would smile and nod my head, but never really understood. He was learning a form of martial arts and would come in to the clinic and show me the holds and moves he learned in his last class. He would let me try them on him and of course I never did them correctly. There was a lot on nodding but not much smiling from me, and I never really understood. A few times he took me outside to show me the clouds and why they were in a certain pattern. He'd say it was due to the high pressures or low pressures or inversions or jet streams. I'd smile and nod my head, but I never really understood.

One thing I did understand almost immediately though, was the kind of man and physician he was. He put his patients first and really listened to them as well as the concern he showed for the staff. He always had time and made each of us feel special. He was terrific at diagnosing and treating symptoms, but mostly he "cared".

I watched his children grow up and enjoyed the drawings Piper would bring from school, the card tricks Lucas showed me and the talks Gwen and I had. I felt as though I was a part of their family. One time Dr. Howell asked, "Do you know what Lucas wants to be when he grows up?" I'm thinking a doctor, lawyer, or engineer. Nope, he wants to be a millionaire!

He loved his children so much and was so very proud of them. He lit up when they'd come into the clinic and supported them in everything they tried. And Maureen, how he loved you. He'd spend time carefully thumbing through catalogs to find the right dress for you and then would look over the pages again to make sure it was the "perfect" one.

I was truly blessed to know Dr. Howell and to call him my friend. I will never forget him and what he has meant to all of us. I pray Jesus will wrap his loving arms around all of you and give you peace.

I was so saddened to hear this news. I didn't really know Jim, but know what an amazing father and physician he was. I grew up in Lander with Lucas, Judd and Gabe. Lucas and I were friends in high school. I came to know Maureen and her boys when they were all dealing with the death of Maureen's previous husband. How unfair. No one should have to go through the loss of two husbands. My heart goes out to you all. This very same thing happened two years ago to my family. My stepfather and husband to my mother for 20+years passed away very unexpectedly at the age of 59 of a major heart attack. We had no warning. Terry was the example of health. The one thing that helps in the healing process is family and time. It is going to be a hard road, but I know your family is strong. You WILL get through this. Maureen, I live in Lander now and if you ever need anything or just want to talk over coffee, I am here. My email is fryenagy@gmail.com. You are in my thoughts. Jim will certainly be missed.
Fondly,
Tanna Frye-Nagy, Lander, WY

Dr Howell was our family doctor for many years and we often talked about flying and the airplane he seemed to be always building. A great listener, calm, caring... I didn't know he studied medicine as his second career choice. As I helped several friends through their children's births and also sat with other friends who were seriously ill and near death, Dr Howell seemed to be the doctor who attended both the transitions in and out of life in our community. At births, he was always delighted to announce "Your baby is perfect" with a happy smile. At the bedside of the dying, he was kind, compassionate, patient and concerned about making the person as comfortable as possible to the end. He made time for all of us and put us at ease with our worries. I am ever grateful for his care and thankful for the time he and his family gave to Lander.

I have to tell this story.

Everyone has been so kind and thoughtful and all of these stories have been so inspirational that it falls to me again to help to level Jim's greatness with a different kind of Jim story.

Don't worry mother, it's not that one. Piper, don't worry it's not that one either, or that one or the other one.

Some of you may know that Lucas H went to OMSCI Space Camp when he was younger. It was a great trip.

We set off from Lander to Portland in the red Dodge Caravan.

First, we drove to Sheridan where we dropped Piper off with Jim's mother Vivian. we then headed toward portland via Montana, Idaho, and Washington.

The trip started out great. We were staying at all the nicest places. Lucas wanted to make sure each hotel had a pool and HBO, which was a selling point in those days. For Jim's part all he wanted was a bowl of clam chowder, which isn't that easy to find in Montana and Idaho.
I was obsessed with golf at the time and spent my spare time hitting practice balls into bushes.

As each day went by we stopped for meals and we couldn't seem to find a place with clam chowder. At one point Jim sent the Lukes into a Restaurant to check and we lied to him saying they had clam chowder, because the salad bar looked soooooo goooood.

The next day we spent circling the Tri Cities area of Washington. Jim kept telling me and Luke "I know this city like the back of my hand” that only worked the first three times around the loop. Come to think of it he may have been paying us back for lying about the soup... After days on the road the "Evil Doctor” was starting to emerge, through no fault of my own, I assure you.

In any event, the next day Jim's patience was rewarded (his patients where always rewarded). We dropped into Oregon just south of the Washington border to a logging area that had a log cabin restaurant with a logging theme. Inside we found that they were boasting the best New England Clam Chowder west of Mississippi.

We decided that this was “the spot” and Jim ordered a bowl of the clam chowder. The waitress asked if he was sure he didn't want a cup. At this point Jim’s appetite was not to be trifled with and he insisted that “Yes, ‘he’ was sure.” To our surprise the soup was served it was seemed to be a gallon sized salad bowl. Reducing for proper exaggeration there must have been two quarts of some of the best clam chowder Jim had ever had.
We continued along our trip and we really started to have fun.

We made fun of road signs, which seemed to be overly abundant for our Wyoming taste, we laughed hysterically at silly things, and Jim added up mileages that we read off the map without a calculator while he drove for our entertainment. It truly was a guy’s road trip for us.

That day we sadly dropped of Lucas and we decided to hang around a little bit in Oregon before we proceeded to race back to our responsibilities in Lander. The trip there had been casual and luxurious; the trip back was to be more rushed and uh…well less than luxurious.

That night we stayed in Astoria, Oregon, where they filmed The Goonies. We didn’t get the pool but we did stay by the beach. We went to sleep late and I slept like a baby. The next morning I awoke to the sounds of Jim returning to the room at dawn from the boardwalk. He was saying “who’s your buddy……who’s your buddy?” repeatedly.

I sat up and there was Dr. Howell with an evil grin saying. “I found these teriyaki meatballs sitting under a heat lamp. Look at the grease!!! I bet they have been there for days. Let’s eat them.” We laughed so hard, and yes we ate them, and yes they were good. We then went to the beach where I spent hours building the worst sand castle ever conceived and Jim played pinball in a gift shop.

After the morning relaxation we left for home and we drove back through southern Idaho. We weren’t going to pick up Piper so instead of Coure'de'laine and Tacoma we travelled through Burley, home of the Burley’s Big Boy (don’t worry mother I won’t tell that part either);)

That night we stayed in a hotel with one single bed in the main area and a twin bed in a closet next to the bathroom. It was tiny and it was not that clean. In fact, when you turned on the light it took about ten seconds to turn on. From there on out we decided we would want “instant on lighting” if not HBO.

The next day we drove all the rest of the way to Lander, but not without incident. I was drinking a super sipper of iced tea and I refilled it several times. By mid day I was in severe need of a restroom break. I ended up so hydrated that I needed to stop every ten minutes and race into the restroom. I was driving so Jim could relax in the back and he didn’t complain once.
We got back to the house and told the story to everyone. They all laughed but I don’t think anyone ever really appreciated how much fun we had and how silly we had been. And I know they didn’t appreciate how greasy and tasty those aged meatballs were in Oregon.

Jim…..who’s your buddy?

I was in my Senior year of Chemistry and I was taking Physical Chemistry, which deals with thermodynamics and quantum mechanics. It had been my nemesis and I remember speaking with Jim about it.

He had recalled that it was "the hardest $#@*! class" he ever took, although I am sure he aced it.

I had just recieved 32/100 on the second test and I was completely frustrated. We were speaking on the phone and I said "I don't know why I can't get it, it's not rocket science!!"

Jim laughed and in his clear calm voice said, "Acually Luke. It is."

There is something truly special about a man, when every memory you have about him stands out, and every story you hear about him makes you laugh.....or makes you cry.

Dear Jim,

Thank you for taking care of my mother, my two brothers and me. When you came into my life, I breathed a sigh of relief. I knew at that moment, my mom would be okay. I have not worried about her since. I'm sorry for being so selfish. I promise to make it up to you. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to see the world, to fall in love, and to make my family.

I'm sorry you never met your granddaughter. I was looking forward to watching you melt when she smiled at you.

Fortunately you left behind many seeds. And I know that they will produce an amazing crop.

Love,
Judd