James "Kip" Kipling Howard

**James 'Kip' Kipling Howard**

July 25, 1968 - November 27, 2023

With profound sorrow and enduring love, we announce the passing of James 'Kip' Kipling Howard, of Indianapolis, Indiana, on November 27, 2023, at the age of 55. Known affectionately as 'Kip' to friends and family, and as James in his professional life, he touched the lives of many with his unique spirit and passions.

Born in Bloomington, Indiana, and raised in both Bloomington and Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, Kip was the cherished son of James "Jim" Thomas Howard and Dixie Snowden. He was a 1986 graduate of Bloomington High School South and attended the Herron School of Art (Indianapolis) and Indiana University (Bloomington). Additionally, he found joy in his work at Davis Distribution Systems, blending his love for hi-fi equipment with a fulfilling career.

In addition to being an audiophile, Kip's life was a tapestry of diverse interests, from his passion for rare, late model Asian import cars with manual transmissions to his hidden talent in drawing. His love for music, especially in the vinyl form, and art reflected the depth and creativity of his soul.

Kip lived a good life on his own terms, known for his remarkable ability to live in the moment, his witty and dry humor, and his philosophy of not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. This was his definition of freedom.

Kip is lovingly remembered by his mother, Dixie Snowden; stepmother, Linda Howard; siblings Scott Howard (Lisa), Brandi Kartzmark (Don), Nancy Clark (Mike), Scott Snowden (Michelle), Heather Snowden, Theodore "Ted" Harvey, Christopher "Chris" Harvey (Kaaren), Heather Hartzell (William), and sister-in-law Kim Dull Snowden. He was, also, adored and loved by a plethora of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jim Howard, stepfather, John Snowden, and brother, Joseph "Joe" Snowden.

A Celebration of Life for Kip will be held on Sunday, December 10th, from 2:00 - 5:00 PM in the Crazy Horse Private Room, 214 West Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47404.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Kip's memory can be made to the Humane Society of the United States.

Kip's legacy of warmth, compassion, creativity, and wry wit will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew him. We invite all who knew Kip to share their memories and celebrate the life of a brother, friend, and co-worker who truly lived freely and loved deeply.