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Jonathan Howes Obituary
April 12, 1937 - May 31, 2015
Chapel Hill
Former Chapel Hill Mayor and prominent North Carolina citizen, Jonathan Broome Howes, 78, of Chapel Hill died Sunday morning May 31, 2015.
Jonathan was born and grew up in Fountain City, Tennessee, the son of Robert Milton Howes and Margaret Broome Howes. He was a 1959 graduate of Wittenberg University where he was a cheerleader and senior class president and met his wife, Mary. Jonathan and Mary were married in August 1959 and moved to Chapel Hill where he earned a Master's degree in City and Regional Planning from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While in Chapel Hill, daughter Anne was born. In 1960, they moved to the Washington DC area, where Jonathan worked for the Department of Housing and Urban Development in the Kennedy administration. Betsy and Bo were born during this time and the family enjoyed living in Holmes Run Acres in Falls Church, Virginia.
In 1966, Jonathan got his second Master's degree this time in Public Administration from Harvard University on a National Institute of Public Administration fellowship. In 1970, he became Director of the Center for Urban and Regional Studies at UNC-Chapel Hill, where he served for 23 years.
Jonathan was viewed as the epitome of a public servant, and had a long and distinguished public life at the local, state, and national level. He was an elected Alderman/Council Member for the Town of Chapel Hill for 12 years from 1975-1987, and was a two-term Mayor of Chapel Hill starting in 1987. One of his major strengths was in the area of Town - Gown relationships, exemplified by the University-funded Carolina Blue firetrucks which are still used in Chapel Hill today. As Mayor, he was also instrumental in the creation and support of the then new Chapel Hill public library.
Jonathan's career regularly melded public life and professional life. He instituted regional planning for the Research Triangle area through personal and professional support of the Triangle J Council of Governments. He also promoted regionalism and good government at the national level through leadership roles at the National Association of Public Administration and National Association of Regional Councils.
In 1992, he was appointed Secretary of the Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources for the State of North Carolina by Governor Jim Hunt, where he served for five years. Under his leadership, the NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund was established with a dedicated revenue stream for NC Parks. In recognition of his service, the State conferred upon him the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, which is the State's highest civilian honor.
After his term as Secretary, Jonathan returned to the University in a variety of roles including Special Assistant to the Chancellor, where he co-chaired the UNC Campus Master Plan. He also provided leadership as Interim Executive Director to WUNC radio, of which he was a longtime supporter and sustainer. Outside the University, he continued to serve in leadership roles at the NC Aquarium Society, Triangle Land Conservancy, and Audubon NC.
Prior to retirement, Jonathan chaired the board of Carol Woods Retirement Community, and later he and Mary became residents and involved participants in the community. Jonathan also was recently tapped to serve as Interim Director of the NC Botanical Garden, another organization dear to his heart.
Jon was an avid Tarheel fan. His motto was "If there's a ball in the air, he and Mary were there." He was a season ticket holder for UNC basketball and football for over 40 years, and loved reliving great Tarheel moments in sports. His other cherished titles included "Chapel Hill Town Treasure" and News & Observer Tarheel of the Week. He loved the annual family beach trips to Emerald Isle, and international travel. He and Mary took a unique and cherished international trip with each of their eight grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary, daughters Anne Anderson (Dave) and Betsy (Chuck Bean), and son Bo (Pat), and grandchildren Margaret, KK, and David Anderson, Benjamin and Rebecca Bean, and Jonathan, Max and Matthew Howes, his sister Nancy Howes Robinson and brother-in-law Donald Cook (Rose).
As he stated at the time he was honored as a Chapel Hill Town Treasure, "Public service is in my blood and it's been an honor to serve our community. Everything I did, I did because I felt called to do it…" In the spirit of his life and public calling, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Triangle Land Conservancy, North Carolina Botanical Garden Foundation, or WUNC Radio.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, August 9, 2015 at Chapel of the Cross in Chapel Hill.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jonathan Howes
Ben Orsbon
May 26, 2022
Jonathan possessed many wonderful attributes. The one I remember most was his kindness.
Fred Rowe
June 7, 2015
May God bless Jonathan's family through this difficult time. Proud to have been a classmate CHS 1955.
Fred Rowe
Tyler Meyer
June 5, 2015
I send my condolences and my best wishes for Jonathan's family to find peace and joy in the celebration of a life well lived. I also express my appreciation and want you to know how important and beneficial an influence Jonathan was to me. As an undergraduate Pugblic Policy student I had two city planning courses with Jonathan which were instrumental in my decision to study planning in graduate school and to become a planner. Later when he as NCDEHNR Secretary Jonathan hired me as a graduate student intern to study regional planning organizations in North Carolina. I reported to him directly and benefitted from his guidance in developing the project. That experience further deepened my interest in regional planning, and acquainted me with Metropolitan Transporation Planning, which I found to be one of the most vibrant and interesting outlets for regional planning in the US today. Partly due to that I went into transportation planning. I have in MPO planning for a long time now. So, as I look back over my career so far I can see that Jonathan was a key influence and a role model. For that I will always be grateful!
Lee Lumpkin
June 4, 2015
My condolences to the Howes family. It was my pleasure to spend a few brief times with this esteemed gentleman as we shared our support for NC Audubon. He was truly a champion of our state and its beauty and gave his energy and wisdom to many good causes. He will be missed.
Judy Palmer
June 4, 2015
Anne,
So sorry for your loss! Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep those wonderful memories close to your heart! They will mean so much!
June 3, 2015
My sincerest condolences to the Howes' family. Jonathan and I were grammar school and high school classmates and I remember our visit at a high school reunion a few years back. May the Lord lift your heavy hearts and give you peace. Know that He grieves with you.
Mary Eleanor Loose Hines
Montgomery, AL
Tim & Michele Aydlett
June 3, 2015
It was an honor to have worked with Jonathan on the PARTF and as a fellow NC Audubon board member. His extensive statewide conservation efforts and the great love for our state will be sorely missed. He leaves tremendous shoes to fill. Our prayers for Mary and the family.
Mac Whatley
June 3, 2015
Jonathan was in fact not just a Chapel Hill Treasure, but a North Carolina Treasure. He was a great example of a generation of men and women whose commitment to the future of our state was paramount in their public service. It was my pleasure to serve with Jonathan for 6 years as a Trustee of the NC Humanities Council, and his knowledge of the political and social history of the state was encyclopedic, entertaining and instructive. He never failed to ask about our common friends in Randolph County, and about the state of the NC Zoo, another institution which benefited greatly from his leadership at DEHNR. Jonathan will indeed be missed.
Dana Rea
June 3, 2015
Mary and family,
I feel very honored to a part of Jonathan and your Tar Heel basketball games, and sharing cardio rehab graduate class with Jonathan. We have lost another Chapel Hill jewel. Prays to you and yours.
Athenian Oath of Citizenship art by Galia Goodman when Jon was honored with the Laura Thomas Award in 2000.
Rachel Willis
June 3, 2015
My deep condolences and appreciation to his family for sharing Jonathan Howes with the University, the community and the state. Jon did so many things in his lifetime that three of his most significant and longest lasting contributions for the Triangle area didn't even make his long obituary. As Mayor of Chapel Hill, Jon was one of the visionaries and co-founding trustees for the Triangle Transit Authority in 1989 that initiated ride-sharing, bus services and planning for regional rail. When he returned to the University in 1997, he headed up a master land use plan for UNC-Chapel Hill. While many list this service, it doesn't convey the hundreds of meetings and thousands of conversations about how to enable the process to succeed by inviting and facilitating the effective collaboration of hundreds of public and private stakeholders. This extraordinary work has enabled the first public University to grow to meet the needs of the citizens of North Carolina in harmony with the surrounding community. Finally, Jon taught more than 300 students about The Role of the University in American Life from 1998 2009 through five semesters of pro-bono teaching of one of the three seminars. In The University and Community, Jon freely shared his professional experiences with countless students and engaged them in active participation in the regional issues that most interested them. His own life of public service served as a model and inspiration to undergraduates, graduate students, and colleagues across the University. Throughout it all, Jonathan empowered people to contribute through informed participation; he was a cheerleader for the future and a champion for meeting the challenges of building better communities to serve all through cooperative planning. His work will always be honored through the character and contributions of his former students. Jonathan Howes was one of the most collaborative people I have had the privilege to learn from, work with, and have as a friend. His public service was his work; it took the form of being an elected and appointed official, an enthusiastic cheerleader of regional cooperation in the triangle, and an inspiring teacher. He will be dearly missed.
Walter Israel
June 3, 2015
I came to know and love Jonathon when we served several terms together on the NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund. We were from different political camps but he was a respected leader with a real and genuine heart... we will all miss him and are better for having known him. My condolences go to Mary and the entire Howes family.
Phil Berke
June 3, 2015
Since my arrival at UNC over 20 years ago Jonathan has always been warm and gracious to me. Whenever we met, he would always ask how I was doing- his words were not just a passing comment. Rather, he really wanted to know and would always take the time to listen to my response. Jonathon, you will be missed.
Robert, Adollaya, Roseya Underhill
June 2, 2015
One of the great dads of my childhood neighborhood and distinguished MC at my wedding. Love and condollances to all who remain. Be consoled by cherished memories and lasting influences.
Sarah McIntee
June 2, 2015
Healing and love to all who remain. Chapel Hill, and the planet, mourns your loss.
June 2, 2015
I have known Jonathan since we were small boys in Fontain City, and our mothers were members of a Child Study Group. We were often members of the same group at Central High School. Our only mischief was to occasionally ring a large bell located on the property of a church near his home. I will attend the 60th anniversary of the graduation of the CHS Class of 1955 this Friday night and will greatly miss the presence of a person I looked forward to seeing. Jonathan was one of the good guys in this world.
Ken Clark
Atlanta
Bruce and Virginia McDowell
June 2, 2015
Mary: It was a great honor and pleasure to have known and worked with Jon over many, many years. We will miss him him greatly.
Our deepest sympathy to you and the family. Our thoughts are with you. Bruce and Virginia McDowell
Lesley Pories
June 2, 2015
I had the privilege of working for Jon and Dave Godschalk in 2010-2011 when they were chronicling the 10-year planning developments on UNC's campus. Jon was full of sage knowledge, keen insight, and genuine passion. It was clear that he was extremely well-regarded by the community as well. In addition to all those things, Jon was always interested in me as a person and there to offer advice or support. I will always remember him with the highest regard and appreciation. He was a model figure.
Tom Linden
June 2, 2015
My heartfelt condolences to Mary and the entire Howes family. I first met Jonathan three years ago at a Faculty Council meeting. He suggested we work together with my students to produce UNC-TV reports on North Carolina State Parks. Jonathan was an inspiration for me and my students. We all loved working with him. He was one of the most gracious and decent men I've had the good fortune to meet. I will miss him very much.
June 2, 2015
All of us at Audubon North Carolina send our deepest condolences to Mary, Bo and all the family at this time. Jonathan left such a wonderful legacy of conservation for North Carolina. You can see him in every mountain ridge and every curling wave. We miss him so much.
June 2, 2015
Mary,
Jon was a wonderful friend of the coast and helped tremendously with our work to protect and restore it. We will miss him greatly. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Todd Miller, Ocean, N.C.
Gary Fenton
June 2, 2015
Like the Parks and Recreation profession itself, the impact of Jonathan's determined and successful efforts with the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund will be bearing fruit and positively effecting citizens -- many yet to be born --- for centuries to come.
What a gift he's left behind! A truly monumental legacy!
I hope Jonathan's family will find comfort in that.
June 1, 2015
Our thoughts are with you and the family, Mary. Jon will be missed, and always remembered by those who knew him. May good memories be of comfort at this difficult time. With great sadness, Mickey/Mia and Keith
HRA, Falls Church, VA
Jeriann Day
June 1, 2015
Fond memories of Jon and Mary. Jon will be greatly missed but will live forever in our memories. Prayers continuing for Mary and families.
Pat Doster Murphy
June 1, 2015
I had the honor of doing an internship with Mayor Howes in the Public Policy Analysis program at UNC. He was a wonderful man. I am sorry for your loss.
Rob Gelblum
June 1, 2015
What a man. Studied under him in UNC Planning Dept., lawyered for him at DENR, saw him & Mary on buses to Tarheel games, worked with him on Planning Dept. alumni matters; his gentlemanly nature & intelligence never failed to impress. RIP, Jon.
June 1, 2015
Mary,
I am so sorry to hear this news. I was one of Jon's first graduate assistants. He took our whole class to Washington DC and we had a special evening meeting at the White House. it was so impressive! A decade later, I met up with Jonathan again when we both attended the summer public policy origram at the Kennedy School. Such fun. Jon was a great teacher and friend. My condolences to you and your family.
Peggy Reichert
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Ron Secrist
June 1, 2015
A quintessential gentleman and public servant. A significant role model for so many governmental officials. I highly admired Jonathan and he heavily influenced my young career.
Ron Secrist, Boulder, CO
Ben Orsbon
June 1, 2015
Jonathan's warmth, charm, and intellect brings back wonderful memories. He was a great ambassador for the planning program and for the university. He touched many lives in a positive way.
Susie Hamrick Jones
June 1, 2015
I am so sorry to hear this and for the family's loss. Jonathan Howes was a great friend to North Carolina's beautiful lands and waters. He played a significant role in many of the protection projects which Foothills Conservancy led at places like South Mountains, Lake James, Chimney Rock, Wilson Creek, Linville Gorge...and that's just in our land trust's service area! What a wonderful legacy he has helped to leave for future generations.
Karen Burden
June 1, 2015
So sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Neil Offen
June 1, 2015
He was always so gracious, warm and friendly. A true gentleman who embodied what we think of as the best of our community. He will be truly missed.
Robert Godwin
June 1, 2015
A superior man in accomplishments and character, I was honored to have him as a cousin.
Linda James
June 1, 2015
So very sorry to hear of this sad news. I will be thinking Mary and family in the coming days ahead.
Lynn Hecht
June 1, 2015
My heart goes out to all the family. Johathan's contributions to his community were immense. He will be missed by all.
June 1, 2015
Dear Ann and Dave and family,Sending our condolences.Never met your Dad but always heard great things about him. Love and Prayers to all, Peggy and Denny Kincade,Cameran Foote and Hannah Kinney
LuAnn Bryan
June 1, 2015
My deepest sympathy to the family. He was an impressive man, and will never be forgotten. I had the privilege to work with him both when he was Secretary to DENR and also with the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund. His concern was genuine, and his word sincere. Those who visit NC will be forever in his debt for his touch on our great state. May God grant each of you peace and comfort, and know that you are covered in prayers.
Jean Bolduc
June 1, 2015
A generous and utterly decent man. I'm so grateful for the small amount of time in which I was able to enjoy his company. A great and meaningful life.
Debbie Crane
June 1, 2015
I first met Jonathan when he was the Mayor of Chapel Hill and I was a reporter. He was a great interview, engaging and smart.
Later, I had the opportunity to work for him. He was a great boss. He was also a friend - one of the first people to reach out to me after I was fired from state government, calling to give me a very much needed pep talk.
He was a fine public servant - someone who truly understand what public service is all about.
He was also a very decent and honorable man. He was a true gentleman, an increasingly rare commodity in this world.
My thoughts are with the family. I will never forget that gleam in Jonathan's eye!
Phil McKnelly
June 1, 2015
Jonathan was a great Secretary for DEHNR, but he was even a more wonderful human being! He was a powerful advocate for the Division of Parks and Recreation who championed the Park and Recreation Trust Fund and was a strong proponent for the professional development of the staff. Jonathan cared deeply about the people and natural resources of North Carolina and about the staff of the department. Jonathan's passing leaves a significant void in my heart and the hearts of many others who had the privilege to know and work with him. This is truly a loss for the entire state.
Meenu Tewari
June 1, 2015
Very sorry to hear this news of Jonathan's passing. My sincere condolences to the family. Jonathan was such a stalwart in the arena of urban politics and planning policy and such a good friend of the Department of City and Regional Planning at UNC. So warm and personable... he will be missed.
Diane Cherry
June 1, 2015
Please accept my condolences to the entire family. I worked with Jonathan for five years during his tenure at DENR and he hired me. We spent hundreds of hours together and I always found him to be a real gentleman, devoted public servant and a terrific leader. I will miss him greatly.
Albert Howes
June 1, 2015
As a Howes Family Association(HFA) Vice President ,I send our condolences to Family and friends
Sincerely, AlbertHowes
Dawn T
June 1, 2015
So very sorry for your loss, Anne. Best wishes to you and your family.
Eric Benson
June 1, 2015
My deep sympathy to the Howes family.
June 1, 2015
My sincere condolences to the family. I know Jonathan memories will forever live on in the hearts of all he has touched over the years. Draw close to Almighty God (Psalms 83:18) for the strength needed during this difficult time of your life. He will really help you.
David Brower II
June 1, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of Mr Howes' passing. I first met him in he and Mary's backyard when I was 3 years old and my father and he began working together at UNC. 30 some odd years later. when it came time for my own children to meet Mr Howes he was dressed as Santa Clause at a WUNC holiday party. It was perfect. I've always admired him and will miss him terribly.
Kate Chuckney
June 1, 2015
We send our deep condolences to all the Howes family. Mr.Howes was an accomplished and exceptional man in both public and private life. It has been our great privilege to have known him for many years . We always enjoyed visiting with him and Mrs. Howes in Williamsburg when they came to see Anne and Fam .... I also remember a fun trip that Anne and I made to Chapel Hill together , staying with the Howes. I know he will be missed by so many. We are praying for comfort and peace for the wonderful Howes, Anderson,& Bean family.
Chip and Kate Chuckney
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