James "Jimmy" Howard

Lancaster, WI - James “Jimmy” Howard departed this world on June 12, 2024 from cancer. He was 46. While his time here was much shorter than we all would have liked, in the end, Jimmy was the victor. Though this disease took much from him, it never took hold of his most important quality – his spirit. Jimmy lived more life in 46 years than most do in twice that amount of time, following the tenet of “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” - Mahatma Ghandi

On July 11, 1977, Scott and Debra “Moose” Howard celebrated the birth of James Scott in Waukesha, WI, incidentally on the same day of his grandparents’ (Jim and Emily Appenzeller) wedding anniversary. Several years later, he became a big brother to Joshua. Jimmy grew up in Ottawa, WI and graduated from Kettle Moraine High School in 1995. While he dreamed of moving to the warmer climates of Florida, his parents insisted he stay close to home (much to his dismay). He enrolled as a freshman at UW-Eau Claire, originally planning to major in music performance as a French hornist. It wasn’t long before he switched gears and began pursuing degrees in Spanish and Latin American Studies, which he successfully obtained in 2000.

Unbeknownst to Jimmy, he met his future bride in English class his sophomore year. Two years later, he finally asked her on a date, and Jimmy and Carey (Klaas) were married at St. Clement Catholic Church on June 23, 2001. Their lives quickly set off on a whirlwind adventure, as they welcomed twins, Ross James and Lukas Scott, just 13 months later. In 2003, they moved from their home in Eau Claire to Jimmy’s hometown of Ottawa. While there, Jimmy worked for various companies supporting international marketing and sales, until finally deciding he’d had enough of corporate America. He switched his career path entirely and became a full-time gymnastics coach and marketer for Midwest Twisters. Jimmy loved working with kids and felt like he could really make a difference in their lives. In 2010, he went a step further and returned to college to become a teacher. The family moved to Carey’s hometown of Lancaster and Jimmy pursued his teaching degree from UW-Platteville. Later that year, they welcomed their third son, Greyson Kent. After completing his studies at UW-Platteville, as well as Master’s degree classes at UW-Madison, Jimmy officially became a teacher in 2016, joining Lancaster Community Schools as a middle and high school Spanish teacher. Señor Howard was the “GOAT”, “the slayest man ever”, according to his students. His students meant the world to him, and few things brought him more joy than being a mentor to them.

From beginning to end, Jimmy lived life big. He was always searching for new things to learn and adventures to take. As an avid outdoorsman, you could often find him fly-fishing local trout streams, hunting morels and agates, hiking state park trails, hitting the ski slopes, and climbing Colorado’s 14-ers. He loved the ocean, the jungles of Costa Rica, and the cities and ancient sites of Mexico. When he wasn’t adventuring, he was busy teaching himself new things, like learning to play new instruments and immersing himself in artistic pursuits like stained glass, oil and watercolor painting, and beautiful gardens.

But most importantly, we all knew Jimmy as an incredible husband, father, son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle, colleague, coach, teacher, and friend. How lucky were we to share this journey through life with him! His impact to the world has spread far and wide, and he will be missed beyond measure.

Jimmy is survived by his wife of 23 years, Carey; his sons Ross, Lukas, and Greyson; his mother, Moose Howard; brother, Josh Howard; grandparents, Jim & Emily Appenzeller; mother-in-law, Jane Klaas; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Nick & Erin Klaas and Bart & Morgan Klaas; nephews, Aiden, Braxton, & Calvin Klaas; nieces Kaija Howard & Emerson Klaas; aunts & uncles, Tim & Tammy Cass, Todd & Jill Krempasky, and John Howard; and many cousins and extended family members.

Jimmy was greeted in Heaven by his dad, Scott Howard; father-in-law, Ken Klaas; grandparents, Dale & Delores Howard; aunt, Jill Howard; and his favorite furry friends, Pepper, Berkeley, and Cleo.

A memorial service will be held for family and friends on Saturday, June 22nd at 1:00 p.m. at Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory, 1234 S. Madison Street in Lancaster. A celebration of Jimmy’s incredible life will continue at Doolittle’s Pub & Eatery, 135 S. Jefferson St in Lancaster from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

We ask that you please not send plants or flowers; Jimmy leaves Carey with over 100 plants to care for, and she admittedly does not have a green thumb! Instead, a James Howard Memorial Fund has been established, consider planting a tree in his memory, or make someone smile today through a kind gesture. Cards of condolence may be sent to Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory, P.O. Box 30, Lancaster, WI 53813.

Online condolences: martinschwartzfuneralhomes.com