Obituary: James "Jimmy" Howard

James Ronald “Jimmy” Howard passed away in the early morning hours of Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at St. James Healthcare in Butte, Montana. Jimmy was born on July 21, 1947, in Missoula, Montana.

Jimmy graduated from Seeley Swan High School in Seeley Lake, Montana before enlisting in the United States Navy. He enjoyed his time in the military and tales of his adventures were epic. He operated heavy equipment for N.A. Degerstrom in Zortman, Montana.

Jimmy enjoyed the friends and freedom Montana had to offer. He loved to ride and was a member of the FreerRiders MC. He made many, many friends while living in Butte, and cherished helping people in AA and NA. He had just celebrated the 33rd birthday of his sobriety. Jimmy lived simply, fully, and humbly. His life can best be summed up in the creed by which he lived, “Happiness comes from noticing and enjoying the little things in life. See God in everything; a bird singing, the sound of the wind in the trees, a bunny or a fox that comes to visit … stop and smell the flowers.”

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Phylis Howard; his brother, Jon Howard; sister-in-law, Rosie Howard; and special friend, Dani Thornton. He is survived by his son, Jim Howard; his daughter and son-in-law, Dee and Tim Allen; and his grandson, Thomas Roehl. He is also survived by his brother, Jay Howard, his special friend, Elise Hanley; the family of Dani Thornton; and many cherished friends and close brothers he made along his journey on this earth.

In keeping with Jimmy’s free-spirited lifestyle, a picnic will be held this summer to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the L.I.F.E. Foundation c/o Glacier Bank, a nonprofit organization that works with youth to encourage life enhancement.