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James Howenstine Obituary
84, died at home on June 7, 2013 in Heredia, Costa Rica.
Born on September 1, 1928 in Columbus, Ohio, the firstborn child of James Alfred Howenstine, Sr. and Catherine Beecher Chancellor Howenstine. Father was an entrepreneur/manufacturer who innovated the use of the illuminated plastic sign. Mother was a descendant of Harriet Beecher Stowe (author of "Uncle Tom's Cabin") and former schoolteacher. Jim grew up in Lima, Ohio, attended Ohio State University for two years, then completed a B.S. in Biology at Denison in 1950. Earned a M.D. degree from Northwestern in 1954. Served two years in Navy as a Ward Medical Officer in South Carolina. Completed Internal Medicine residency at Boston City Hospital (Tufts) in 1960.
Completed a one-year National Institutes of Health nephrology fellowship at UCSF in 1961. Had an Internal Medicine private practice in San Francisco from 1964-1991 and was also an Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCSF during that time. Moved to Arizona in 1991 to become Head of Internal Medicine at Thomas Davis Medical Center in Glendale. Retired in 1997 after a 36-year medical career and moved to Costa Rica with his wife, Lourdes. Came out of retirement to practice alternative medicine and author the book, "A Physician's Guide to Natural Health Products That Work".
Loved to travel, follow sports (esp. the Buckeyes), play golf, read and eat. Will be remembered for his intelligence, affability, quick wit, stubbornness, incessant curiosity and dedication to the Christian faith. Survived by wife, Lourdes; siblings, Louise Whiteford, Virginia Robison, John Howenstine and Tom Howenstine; son, Michael McDermott, and daughters, Marisa Howenstine, Sabrina Howenstine and Lara Howenstine. Preceded in death by his sister, Elinor Howenstine, who died in 2011.
Memorial held at Funeraria Polini in San Jose, Costa Rica on June 9, 2013. Another memorial to follow in late summer at Forest Home Cemetery in Hicksville, Ohio.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Howenstine
Ronald Barnes
March 18, 2023
My sincerest condolences for Dr. Howenstine's passing. I have just discovered all his wonderful articles and plan to purchase his book on natural heath cures. His work undoubtedly saved and is saving many, many lives. Bless his soul!
Rodman B Miller
February 28, 2022
I am the cousin of James. My mother was Marie Louise Chancellor, sister of his mother Katherine. I am sorry to hear about James passing. Would love to hear from his relatives. I am 97 and 1/2 years old.
Diane B. Farley
June 9, 2021
May the beautiful memories that his wife, Lourdes, and his family have always sustain them through their grief which is unending. Jim had a great sense of humor and was a true friend to my now deceased husband Dr. Michael Farley. As a doctor he was a healer and his knowledge was unlimited and superb. You will always be missed Jim, rest in peace and be at harmony with the universe. Love to you and Lourdes, Diane
Ivy
February 27, 2021
Thank you dr ...
I emailed you in 2020 but didn’t get reply
I just know today, ,,, want to cry
Cyndi
July 5, 2020
I wish I could have met Dr. Jim Howenstein. Your articles have been shared with me for "help". I had no idea that such a wonderful doctor was south of us til 1991 and have been looking for one like him for quite some time. Though it has been 8 yrs. my condolences to the many friends and family. It sounds like he was a "great" man of faith in the Lord, something that we share.
frank noise
September 24, 2014
The good doctor helped me with my diet in that my blood work got better every year starting in 2004 Thx Jim
Mary Baenen
May 23, 2014
Although we never met in person, Dr. Jim and I corresponded concerning health issues in 2010-11. His Natural Health books are a wonderful contribution to humanity! I am grateful to his willingness to continue to learn, his generous sharing of his knowledge and his compassion for his fellow human beings. A true Healer. Thank you.
Michael and Diane Farley
July 10, 2013
May God bless you and yours in this time of sorrow and may the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Jim was a wonderful person, doctor, and a great friend. We will treasure his memory always and we have comfort in the knowledge that he is at peace in a better place.
He will always live in our hearts and prayers. God Bless.
June 18, 2013
Our eternal love! K & B Miller
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