James Howat Obituary
Jim is predeceased by his loving wife, Betty Jane ("BJ") Howat as well as parents Andrew and Sophia Howat and his brother Walter.
Jim is lovingly remembered by son, James Howat Jr., daughter Leslie Howat Adams (husband H. Carlton Adams III). He will be missed by grandsons Christopher Adams (wife Jennifer), Gregory Adams (wife Kimberly) as well as great-grandsons Harry, James, Bennett and great-granddaughter Riley.
He is survived by sister Charlotte Fairman (husband Bill) and extended caring family.
Born in Philadelphia in August 23, 1931, Jim graduated from Northeast High School and Temple University, where he captained Temple Men's swim team.
"Mr. Howat" went on to create a well-known sports legacy; teaching Physical Education at Roxborough High School while coaching soccer, swimming and track teams. Summer swim coaching included, most notably, Huntingdon Valley Country Club. His decades at the helm of HVCC and Roxborough included multiple championships with regional/state victories.
In retirement, Jim helped coach his grandsons' soccer teams and was a regular at their track and rugby events.
Jim & wife "B.J." will both be remembered for their warmth, ethics & dedication to their athletes. A member of the Roxborough HS Hall of Fame, Northeast HS Sports Hall of Fame, Jim was also a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Fellowship of Christian Athletes & Young Men's Christian Assoc; a US Army Veteran and American Red Cross donor.
The memorial service will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church, 505 Old York Road, Hatboro on Friday, December 2nd at 5:00pm. A private family internment will follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Red Cross, https://www.RedCross.org/donate.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of James C. Howat, Sr., please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Tim Ulatowski
July 7, 2024
Just read about Coach Howat's passing. My brother (class of 78) and I (class of 68) played on the soccer team. He called me his shin killer or mechanical man. I remember him scolding me when my girlfriend came to a game and I was more interested in her than the game. He was an excellent teacher and leader.
Bob and Karen McDowell
February 27, 2023
Mr. Howat was a regular at the Hatboro YMCA where he continued and practiced his love for the sport of swimming. He swam many a lap and always enjoyed fellowship with the other members and staff. I always enjoyed conversing with Mr. Howat when at the Y or around town. A true Christian gentleman who I first met as a youngster at St. John´s Lutheran in Hatboro. May God Bless his family. Karen and I send our condolences.
Sean Gray
January 5, 2023
Mr. Howat encouraged me through a very tough time I was having in 11th grade. I remember how kind he was and the advice he gave me I have given to others.
I remember his caricatures of students/athletes of the week he would post in the hallways at RHS for all the students to see. I still have mine.
I am happy to have been impacted by his encouragement and guidance.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Sean Gray
January 5, 2023
Mr. Howat made those awesome caricatures for athlete/student of the week/month. He would post them in the hallway for all to see at RHS.
He encouraged me and supported me through a very tough time I was having in 11th grade. He was a good man and I am glad to have been impacted by his guidance and support.
My condolences go out to his family.
Sean Gray
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Laurie Lee Redican
December 2, 2022
I first BJ and Mr. Howat through church as they were the people chosen to help me get my confirmation. Their dedication to church was strong. As life went on, our lives crossed many times over through swimming -- BJ at Hideaway and Jim at HVCC. My daughters came to know him through both church and HVCC as they each worked there. My husband, Pat, always looked forward to his drawings. They are priceless!
John E.Bevan
December 2, 2022
Mr. Howat. Quiet, Pleasant. Was a daily presence of mine for 5 years while I attended High School. A GREAT gym teacher.
Mary Trimber
December 1, 2022
Our prayers go out to Mr Howat´s family . He was your dad, father in law, grandfather, but he was also a special person in our lives. Our children went to RHS and 3 of them were in the soccer program. One of our daughters was the manager for the team . Our years spent with Jim Howat were some of our best memories from RHS. To say we were blessed with such a special coach, is an understatement. He always made sure that his players were recognized for their individual talent or skill. He made everyone feel special and he treated everyone the same. God gave us an amazing gift in sharing Jim Howat with us. We were truly blessed. I know he is happy to be with his love again in Heaven. Thank you, BJ, for sharing him with RHS.
George Beetham, editor, The Reviee
December 1, 2022
Besides coaching and teaching, Jim would bring hand printed news releases to the paper to publicize the accomplishment of his athletes. It almost always resulted in conversation. Work just stopped when Jim appeared. Jim was genuinely proud of his athletes. Many continued lifetime relationships. To say he was a good man is an understatement. He was a great man the likes of which seldom walk among us.
Mary Kay rossi
December 1, 2022
Loved Mr. Howat. He would always `very gently´ correct me when he caught me smoking! Such a gentleman. I have fond memories even 45 years later.
David Craighead
December 1, 2022
Mr Howat
He was my Teacher, Coach, and then Co-worker (when I became a teacher)!
He was truly good Christian man who cared about those he came in contact with
I loved this picture from the many I have from Him
Patti Smith
December 1, 2022
So sorry to hear about Mr. How at. He was a great man and teacher. My son Todd was the very first to receive the Jim Howat award for soccer in 1994. Sweet in your memories until you meet again.
Joe Aponik
November 30, 2022
I worked with Jim, and he always complimented my coaching. Always positive and friendly. God Bless Jim and Family.
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
431 North York Road, Hatboro, PA 19040-2088
Make a Donation
in James Howat's name
People and places connected with James
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support James's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor James Howat's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
