I only had the privilege of meeting Dr. Howell a few times, but that was enough to understand he was one of the neatest persons I’ve ever met. His intelligence and broad depth of knowledge was simply amazing. I remember him asking what I was studying in school and after my vague answer, he began quizzing me about the details of my research (in other words he had already read about the obscure topic some time ago). During the same visit, he preceded to count my cribbage points for me because I was too slow, but he did it in such an unobtrusive manner It is not often that you meet someone as modest, witty, compassionate, and clever as Dr. Howell.
Although Dr. Howell passed away far too soon, it gives me comfort to know that his many admirable traits were passed on to his children. My thoughts go out to your family.
Joe Nicholas
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 17, 2009
Joe Nicholas
March 17, 2009
Lucas Rogers
When Jim and Maureen first started dating Maureen had to go out of town on business and she asked Jim to watch us for a couple of days.
We went over to the Howell's house,up at the State School, and had dinner each night and then we would go home. One night we started playing Ninja Gaden on the Nintendo and stayed up all night. The next day we ditched school and played video games all day. Jim called in to Starrett and LVHS for Gabriel and I as a sick day so we could beat the game. It was perfect because no one would ever question Dr. Howell.
Jim we will miss you.
We went over to the Howell's house,up at the State School, and had dinner each night and then we would go home. One night we started playing Ninja Gaden on the Nintendo and stayed up all night. The next day we ditched school and played video games all day. Jim called in to Starrett and LVHS for Gabriel and I as a sick day so we could beat the game. It was perfect because no one would ever question Dr. Howell.
Jim we will miss you.
March 17, 2009
Lucas Rogers
When Jim and Maureen first started dating Maureen had to go out of town on business and she asked Jim to watch us for a couple of days.
We went over to the Howell's house,up at the State School, and had dinner each night and then we would go home. One night we started playing Ninja Gaden on the Nintendo and stayed up all night. The next day we ditched school and played video games all day. Jim called in to Starrett and LVHS for Gabriel and I as a sick day so we could beat the game. It was perfect because no one would ever question Dr. Howell.
Jim we will miss you.
We went over to the Howell's house,up at the State School, and had dinner each night and then we would go home. One night we started playing Ninja Gaden on the Nintendo and stayed up all night. The next day we ditched school and played video games all day. Jim called in to Starrett and LVHS for Gabriel and I as a sick day so we could beat the game. It was perfect because no one would ever question Dr. Howell.
Jim we will miss you.
March 16, 2009
Gwen Palagi
I had the great fortune of meeting Jim several times while going to school with his daughter, Gwen. Gwen and I were roommates, fellow English Lit majors and all around good buddies, so, naturally, Jim and I got along famously. It was nearly 2 years after Gwen and I lived together that I was going through a particularly trying time - you know the ones - just don't really want to get out of bed - ever again. Yeah, well, I was about a week in on this pitiful journey when I receive a call from Jim and Maureen. You see, Gwen was a little worried about me and mentioned it to her folks. So, they did what not a lot of parents of college roommates do - they called me. And talked to me. For a while. It was a sweet moment - and not one I'm likely to forget. It was the pure thoughtfulness of it that got me. And yes, Jim got me to get out of bed. Sending my condolences to Maureen, Gwen, Judd, Luke, Gabe, Lucas and Piper, and the whole Howell clan.
Love,
The Other Gwen
Love,
The Other Gwen
March 16, 2009
Anonymous
Abuelito Jim,
No queria que mueres nunca. Te quiero mucho. Y gracias por el libro de "Cruncher Creatures" y por sobre todo los LEGO Star Wars.
Tu nieto,
Sammy
Translation....
Grandpa Jim,
I didn't want you to ever die. I love you so much. Thank you for the "Cruncher Creatures" book and especially for the LEGO Star Wars.
Your grandson,
Sammy (5 year old grandson living in Chile.)
No queria que mueres nunca. Te quiero mucho. Y gracias por el libro de "Cruncher Creatures" y por sobre todo los LEGO Star Wars.
Tu nieto,
Sammy
Translation....
Grandpa Jim,
I didn't want you to ever die. I love you so much. Thank you for the "Cruncher Creatures" book and especially for the LEGO Star Wars.
Your grandson,
Sammy (5 year old grandson living in Chile.)