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James Howard Obituary
By Alexandra Seltzer, Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Jim Howard, 16-year veteran of Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue, died Friday at Hospice of Palm Beach from a rare form of blood cancer. He was 58.
Originally from New Jersey, the 58-year-old loved Harley-Davidson motorcycles, his job, and, most of all, his family. He is survived by his two sons Jonathan, 27, and Justin, 36, and his wife of 12 years, Barbara.
"When we started to date, we both thought this wasn't going to work. But opposites attract," Barbara Howard said. "Each person complements the other. And that's what happened."
For the past five years, Mr. Howard fought angiosarcoma, a rare condition that affects the blood vessels. It started with a little cyst in his leg.
"When he had the cyst removed the doctor said, 'Let's just hope it never goes to your lungs'," Barbara said. But six months later it went to one lung and continued to spread.
Since then, they went to hundreds of doctors appointments and traveled around the country for treatments. He was on leave from fire rescue and then last year had to retire when he couldn't go back to work.
"That was one of the saddest days," county fire Capt. John Flaherty said. "When we were talking and he said to me, 'I don't think I'm going to be able to come back.'"
The two men were friends for about 12 years. Mr. Howard came over from Lantana Fire Rescue to the county's fire rescue and became a driver, operator and an EMT. He stopped working in September.
Mr. Howard was a member of the Palm Beach County Firefighters Benevolent Association and the Palm Beach County Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Local 2928.
About a week ago, it was time for Mr. Howard to go to Hospice of Palm Beach County and a hospice vehicle was going to pick him up. Mr. Howard told Barbara he didn't want to go that way.
"He wanted his brothers," Barbara said. "He said, 'I want my fire department. I want my guys here.'"
She called Flaherty, who made a call over the fire rescue scanner. About 15 firefighters soon arrived at their Boynton Beach home to drive him to Hospice in a fire truck.
In lieu of flowers, donate to: St. Judes Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org in Jim's honor.
A visitation will be held Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lorne & Sons Funeral Home, 745 NE 6th Ave., (Federal Hwy. Northbound) Delray Beach. Services will follow at 3:30 p.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Mausoleum, 10941 Southern Blvd., Royal Palm Beach.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Howard
Steve Gregory
August 4, 2011
Jim I miss you so much, that it can't possibly described in words. You have taught me what true courage is all about. I miss our phone calls several times each and every day for 11 years. You instantly became my best friend because of countless reasons. I really look up to you. My heart is so broken and it will never be the same until I see you again in heaven. You have changed my life in countless ways. I now carry your briefcase to work each day. I feel likes it as if I'm holding your hand daily and nothing will bad will ever happen to me. Love steve
Steve Gregory
August 4, 2011
Jim- only you, Barbara and Lorraine know how close you and I are. You have taught me courage and what helping family and what unconditional love is all about. I could write about our hundreds of great times. You are a great brother in law to Lorraine. I have known Lorraine 15 years and she loves you so much. I will miss our daily visits and daily phone calls for the past 11 years. You are with me in spirit every day and will always be by my side because I now use your briefcase you gave me for work every day. Holding the briefcase is like holding your hand. I love you and will never let go.
Anne Albanese
July 21, 2011
Barbara and family,
As a tribute to your courageous husband and a small gift to help others, I send a gift in Jim's honor. We hope you find solace in all of the good times and keep him alive in your hearts! Take care.
With love, Anne Albanese and Nate Nevid
July 21, 2011
Jim, may God bless and keep you for eternity. You are a good friend and I/we will all miss you and that gentle smile. May the lord watch over and bless all the loved ones you leave behind. Rest in peace my friend. Cindy & Jerry Felice
Chuk & Trudy Suits
July 20, 2011
Barb,
You are in our prayers and healing thoughts during this time of great sorrow. As the days and weeks pass, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Jim was an extraordinary life partner and will be missed greatly by us all.
July 19, 2011
Barbara, you have been steadfast in your love, devotion and care for your dear Jim. My condolences go out to your and his entire extended families. He will be missed for sure. God bless you.
Gail Tyndall
Barbara Howard
July 19, 2011
To my Honey,
I will always love you. Thank you for being the best husband in the world. I will miss you calling me "Hon" constantly and saying "Good Night Sweetheart" every night. Now it is time for me to say "Good Night Sweetheart, Rest in Peace." ILY Barb
Melissa Nash
July 18, 2011
Barb - Jim was the perfect blessing at just the right time. May the love live forever in your heart.
Neil Siegel
July 18, 2011
to the howard family:sorry for the loss of Firefighter James Howard.Please except my deepest sympathies for your loss at this time.I did not know FF James Howard but I just wanted to thank him for his service to the citzens of palm Beach County and his many years with Palm Beach Co. Fire Rescue.Like I tell alot of people we never know when the last day is coming so we must thank god for everything that we have today.My deepest sympathies to all of his friends & co-workers at PBCFR. Neil Siegel/Palm Beach Co. Sheriff's Dept.West Co. Detention Center/Bellglade Florida [email protected]
Scarlet johnson
July 18, 2011
Barb, Jim will live forever in your heart, he will be your guardian angel and light the way for you always. Take comfort in his peace and cherish your memories together. I'm here for you always.
Sylvia Sharps
July 18, 2011
May God continue to give you strength and peace is my prayer for you, Barbara, and your family. I am here if you need anything.
Tracy Foley
July 18, 2011
A true fighter and hero. He will be missed.
Rodney Turpel
July 18, 2011
Jim was a very close friend and confidant. He was always there for me when I needed a friend. I was fortunate to have met jim through my brother Dennis 23 years ago. One day when I leave for the promised land I will know my life was enriched because of people like Jim Howard. Sara and I pray for you Barb and family. We love you and you will always be part of our family. One day you must come see us at the farm.
Joni Larsen
July 18, 2011
What a lovely tribute for a wonderful man.
Have a safe ride Jim. Love to you Barb xoxoxo
Joni & Jon
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