James Carl Hower passed away on Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022, at the age of 70 in the comfort of his home in Butler, after battling health issues.
He was born on May 5, 1951, to Eugene (Gage) Kemp Hower and Adeline Bassani Hower in Greensburg.
Jim is survived by his wife, Donna Jean Hower (Murphy); and two sons, Jimi and Patrick.
Jim and Donna recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. He always acknowledged that Donna was his best friend and his "rock."
Jim was retired from a passionate career as an educator. He graduated from Hempfield Area High School, California University and Slippery Rock University. He taught woodshop, photography, graphic arts and drafting at Butler High School. After retirement, he continued to substitute across Butler County.
Jim took pride in breeding, training, showing and raising English sheep dogs and English setters, winning several awards at dog shows. He had fun naming his dogs after his favorite rock bands.
Jim was truly a remarkable person, one of a kind, a legend, and somebody you wouldn't forget. Jim mastered the art of small talk, storytelling and telling bad jokes that he would always be the first to laugh at. He could always be found in the center of a crowd, whether it was with his family, friends, students or even strangers. He was a kid at heart and made the most of life, spending time outdoors, traveling, attending sporting events, concerts, playing cards, coaching his sons' sports teams and teaching at every opportunity that presented itself.
Jim, we will miss you and you will never be forgotten.
HOWER - Due to the current health crisis, the family will not host a public memorial until a later date for James Carl Hower, who died Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022.
If you knew Jim, he would prefer you to not sit in sorrow but enjoy a moment of happiness and joy. Please think about a good memory of him and share it with someone, maybe family, your friend, or even a stranger you just met.
WILLIAM F. YOUNG FUNERAL HOME, West Sunbury, has assisted Jim's family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to their church, All Saints Lutheran Church, 351 S. Main Street, Slippery Rock, PA 16057, or the Butler County Humane Society, 1015 Evans City Road, Renfrew, PA 16053.
If desired, online condolences can be sent to www.williamfyoungfh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Butler Eagle on Jan. 27, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for James Hower

14 Entries

Tim E. Garcia and Family

Planted Trees

Duke & Fonda Snyder

January 31, 2022

Sincere sympathy to Donna and family. It seems like such a long time since you moved from our neighborhood. Prayers to all.

Bill Coulter

January 31, 2022

Thoughts and prayers to all the family. Truely one of a kind. RIP my friend.

Kyri

January 29, 2022

Donna and family...sorry to hear about Jim. Sending much love and positive thoughts and prayers. The Peer Family

Sally Arblaster

January 28, 2022

Donna my heart hurts for you. No words. Prayers for you all.

Joan & Norm Gaffney

January 28, 2022

So sorry to hear of Jim's passing.
we go a long way back, to high school days.
sending long distance hugs to Donna, Jimi & Patrick.

Amanda (McCafferty) Martin

January 27, 2022

What a wonderful tribute. Mr. Hower was one of the nicest teachers who made a lasting impression. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Jill Dellich

January 27, 2022

What a beautiful reflection of a kind and jolly soul. A people person to the core, he was always able to connect with his students with respect and humor, and made you feel special and seen. Thank you for all the memories and laughter.

Tommy King

January 27, 2022

Always always made me laugh. Always looking on the brighter side. I´m sure he´s doing that now!

Herb Thompson

January 27, 2022

My condolences. Jim was a friend and colleague. He was a rare bird!

Melissa Mohan

January 27, 2022

Prayers to the family. Mr. Hower will be sadly missed. His photography class was my favorite class of all time. He was such a sweet man that loved his students and made school so enjoyable. Rest easy sir.

Erin Sherrouse (McGregor)

January 26, 2022

I was a student of his 20 some years ago. As if that's not painful enough for me to say, lol, one of my greatest (and childish) memories is a friend and I prank called him at like 1230 in the morning. I attempted to act like Janis Joplin. I have never been called out as fast as he called me out that night. He knew my dad and swore to me he was telling him. He never did. On Monday morning he anounced to my 4th period photography class, that, kids will always be kids and he's glad we weren't out doing worse. He was one of the best. He's one of the ones I've told my kids about. My prayers are with his family today and days to come. Thanks for not ratting me out.

M&M

January 26, 2022

Anyone that ever had a bad thing to say about Mr.Hower was out of their mind. He truly is someone that you could never forget. I miss walking into class and seeing him, and knowing it was a safe space for that day. He never made us feel like we were forced to be there, and you could say ANYTHING to him without a problem. He made sure we knew that life couldn´t be all hard work, it has to be fun too. We still talk about him to this day. Ps mr.hower, no, I did not get married to my high school best friend.. even though you always hoped and said we would! :) you are truly missed.

Jamie Gildersleeve

January 26, 2022

Great teacher. One of the most memorable! Rest easy, Sir!

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