James Joseph "Jim" Howard.... Age 80

James Joseph “Jim” Howard Sr. age 80 of Osawatomie, KS died Monday February 22, 2016 at his home.

Jim was born on February 9, 1936 in Kansas City, Missouri. He was the oldest child born to Orville Patrick and Evelyn Opal (Perkins) Howard. He attended Lillis High School and graduated with the class of 1953.  While in high school he ran track and received numerous athletic awards. Also in the 50’s, he played baseball in a farm league for the Cleveland Indians.

After high school, Jim went to work for Dr. Pepper, Wonder Bread, and Hostess.  He married Mary (Lyndon) Howard and they made their home in Kansas City, Missouri. Together they had seven children, Michael, Steve, James, Joan, Eileen, Sheila and John. Jim enjoyed being the head coach for his sons at 3&2 baseball stadium.  The marriage later ended in divorce.

After his divorce, Jim wanted to further his education. He went to Penn Valley Community College to become a certified nursing assistant. He then started working at Crystal Park Nursing Home where he met Hazel Burk.  They hit it off and they married on September 25, 1992.  Jim gained three step-daughters in the marriage, Maxine (Missy), Teri, and Brandi.

Jim and Hazel made their home in Gardner, Kansas.  Jim started working at Meadowbrook Hospital as a CNA and after a year he was asked to become a licensed mental health tech.

In 1997, Jim and Hazel moved to Florida. They loved it there. Jim thoroughly enjoyed being close to the ocean.  Jim became a security guard at Indian River Estates and in his spare time, he played slow pitch softball. They lived in Florida for 15 years before they decided to move back to Osawatomie to be closer to family.  Jim loved to go to the O-Zone. He tried to go daily and did bench and free weights.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, first wife Mary (Lyndon) Howard, step-daughter Maxine (Missy) Briggs, and granddaughter Candy Howard.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 24 years Hazel, Seven children; Michael Howard of Raytown, MO, Steve (Sarah) Howard of Tonganoxie, KS, James Howard Jr. of Raytown, MO, Joan Howard of Kansas City, MO, Eileen Howard of Kansas City, MO, Sheila Rowan of Prairie Village, KS and John (Cori) Howard of Lee Summit, MO. Two Step-daughters, Teri Higginbotham and Brandi Timmons both of Osawatomie, KS. Sisters; Judy (Don) Reick of Overland Park, KS and Linda (Paul) Lamson of Lee Summit, MO, eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren, along with many other family and friends.