James Howe

1942 - 2021

James Howe
May 13, 1942 - March 22, 2021
Resident of Walnut Creek, CA
Born May 13, 1942 in Texas, Jim Howe spent his entire life in Walnut Creek where he left his mark on the community in many ways.
First seen around town participating in doodlebug racing, then graduating to drag racing at Bay Lands race track and finally in building and racing his Roadster for a land speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Jim's proudest moment came when in 1991 he set a new land speed record of 307.55 mph. Making his car the World's Fastest Roadster. Still to this day his record stands strong.
Not a one dimensional person Jim liked everything involving speed and the outdoors including skiing, hunting, fishing and sailing which he always mastered before moving on to something else.
At the same time as a young man Jim started in his garage building stair railings and went on to develop a very successful and well respected business Howe's Welding known for his quality at fair prices. He could solve almost any problem and if he couldn't he knew someone who could. His projects can be seen all over California.
Those who knew Jim however, would not look to him in terms of those accomplishments. Instead they would describe him as a leader, mentor and a bear of a man both physically and emotionally. loyalty and generosity were true descriptions of Jim. He took care of everyone around him from his family to his myriad of friends from all walks of life. If you were lucky enough to be called his friend then you were truly exceptional.
Jim will forever be remembered for his bigger than life personality, his exceptional bbq's always served with ample amounts of Howe wine, his vegetable garden and desire to keep learning and diving headfirst into mastering new skills. In his later years he reconnected with and married his high school sweetheart, and then spent much time enjoying his new, loving family. He will be remembered for the deep abiding love for his wife, Diana, his brother, Jeff, his three daughters, his four grandchildren, and three sons.


View the online memorial for James Howe