Jim Howell

Jim’s son Wendell was my closest of friends as a child. At times I practically lived at their house. I can still channel the memory of Jim’s booming voice (and his even louder sneezes). Countless other memories: curiously picking up all the instruments in his high school band room after school while waiting for him to get off work; watching him from my front steps walk along the marching band on the way to the EOU field for Friday night high school football games; his giant glasses and even bigger goatee; trying to have a normal-sounding conversation with him while naively thinking I’d hidden my inaugural teendom inebriation. I’ll think of you when walking in those Northeastern Oregon mountains that are still my home, old friend.

This is sad news to all who worked with, learned from, collaborated with and knew Jim as a friend. My wife and I first met Jim, Mary and the kids the day they arrived in La Grande when they stopped by our house the summer of 1987, a month before  Jim started his teaching job. For the next 16 years Jim and I collaborated on many music and musical theatre activities sharing a passion for teaching and music. Jim was a wonderful teacher and musician who inspired countless numbers of student musicians. His impact and legacy in LaGrande were immense. 

To Jane, Oscar, Emily and Wendell, and the rest of your family, the Frasier’s send their condolences.

I am deeply saddened by Jim’s passing. I spent the same 20 years at LaGrande high school. He was an incredible motivator of students. He was one of the sharpest tools in the shed always cutting the heart of an issue or problem. He was the kindest and most gentle person I’ve ever known. His love of music education was as big the sky. He brought pro musicians to work with our kids and always thought of their growth before anything else. He was a major force for music education throughout the state. He was active in the Oregon Music Educator association. I have lost a former co-worker, ski partner and most of all a friend.

I had the pleasure of learning from and performing under Jim from 1996-2000 at LHS in his marching band, concert band, jazz band, and performance ensemble. His passion for music and for teaching was infectious and an inspiration for me. I also was his aide for 2 years and got to know him on a more personal level. He was a deep man and someone I respected deeply. While I didn’t see him much in the past decade, I will forever be grateful for the impact he had on my life and the talent he saw in me.

My fondest memory is when he awarded me the Outstanding Junior Award after my Junior Year. I was utterly shocked, but when he shook my hand as he presented it he said quietly that “you definitely deserve this.” I have never forgotten that.

You will be missed and remembered Jim.

I was a student of Mr. Howell from 1998-2002. As “The Band Teacher,” he holds a special position in my life as an educator and mentor. Other teachers you only have for a couple classes for all of High School; coaches for a particular season once a year; but it is different with a band teacher. I saw Mr. Howell every school day for rehearsal of every year. I saw him before the school year started at marching band camp, and before the school day started at early morning practices. I also saw him every day at lunch when I ate in the band room. The life skills he taught me during those countless hours went well beyond just music theory and I model my leadership style of young children after what I observed from him. He is still one of my key male role models despite more than 20 years of time passing since I graduated.

For my Freshman and Sophomore year, Mr. Howell was also my neighbor. I used to mow his lawn and watch his dog, Fatima, when he was out of town. He was acutely aware of my family life and the struggles my single mom faced raising me and my siblings. One of my fondest memories of him was how he asked me to do some simple yard work for him, then grossly overpaid me for the job when it was done. This was conveniently timed right before the multi-day band tour, which I was dreading because I didn’t have the money to feed myself for several days away from home. It was no coincidence, and his considerate generosity is something I still think about often.

Mr. Howell was a wonderful educator, leader, and mentor. His passing is painful to hear about, but his legacy and impact extends thousands of miles and several generations.

You will be missed, Jim.

I will be forever your student.

-Greg

I was a student of Mr. Howells from 2001-2005. He was such a huge mentor and influence in my life, and for countless others! To him music was more than winning awards and trophies. He always put student wellbeing and education ahead of everything else! For that, many are grateful.

My senior year was a particularly rough one because I had two major deaths in my family. One was expected. The other wasn’t. So life at home wasn’t exactly straight forward or routine. Any normal student would have fallen into the trap of losing focus, letting their school work slip, and possibly not graduating with their friends. Given that half of my class load that year was music classes, Mr. Howell showed a ton of grace, heart, understanding, and encouragement. He saw something in me and didn’t want me to fail. Had any of my work in those classes slipped up, I likely would never been admitted to and attended The Lionel Hampton School of Music at University of Idaho. A place which we traveled to frequently as participating ensembles in Band Fest and Jazz Fest. I didn’t know until later on that my saxophone professor called him with questions because I seemed distracted during my audition. That conversation helped tip the scale into deciding to admit me. If Mr. Howell hand’t stuck his neck out the way he did, I probably wouldn’t have gotten to be a music education student and have those experiences to influence my life.

Words can not express how much he will be missed amongst his students. He was a friend and father figure to all of us.

God bless.

-Justin

I'm so sad for this loss to the world. Jim was pretty much a second dad to me growing up! Always so kind and fun with a great laugh. So much knowledge and just for life. Amazing father, teacher, man! We may have lost a great one, but Heaven gained an amazing angel! May he be continue being the great band director and amazing man that he was!!!

Mr Howell, was one of the finest teachers I had in high school. High school was not a pleasant experience for me, but in all that crud, a few bright spots shine. Mr Howell and my experience in band are among them. Thank you Mr Howell for making life a little better and brighter. Mr Howell, I think you'd be happy to know, Im still a band geek, my wife and I play in our local community band.

I was a student of Mr. Howell's from 1988-1992. Without a doubt, my band memories are my most precious ones from high school and he was a huge part of that! So kind, funny, supportive and creative, he made the band room a home base for so many of us! I’m still so proud and honored to identify as a Band Geek! Rest in Harmony, Mr. Howell. 🎵💜

I met Jim in 1997.Our meeting was about the possibility of forming a music camp at Wallowa Lake. The first camp took place in June of 1999. Little did I know of the impact that this leap of faith would have on me and on the many people who have participated since then. Jim had a profound influence on my life and of all those who crossed paths with him. He has been one of my closest of friends and one of the kindest most generous people I have ever had the good fortune to meet. I will miss him and all he stood for. Rest in peace partner!

Larry Johnson - co0founder of Music Camps at Wallowa Lake

Jim Howell was my band teacher at LHS from 2003-07. From a classroom viewpoint one of greatest lessons I remember was his insistence that students learn something, retain something, and be able to become self-supported pursuers, creators, producers of music (or anything!) rather than simply following patterns and rote mechanics of performance. Another top lesson learned was how he let loose of the reins and allowed students to lead themselves (however successfully or not) in a variety of settings. Taking on responsibility in Mr. Howell’s marching band certainly piqued my interest in pursuing music education as my own profession (despite once overhearing him half-jokingly proclaim “Don’t do it!!” in response to another student’s interview-style question: “what would you say to someone looking to go into music education?”) It was, however, in no small way, Jim Howell’s educational integrity and support that spurred me on to “do it!” and I must thank him here for that. This decision has literally opened the world to me as I became an international music teacher starting in Shanghai, China, then to Tanzania (where I met my lovely and brilliant wife), and to here, now, writing this in an apartment in Warsaw, Poland where I’ve just finished a 4 year contract.

Whether it was at brass camp, in the classroom, playing trombone trios and quartets in whichever space we could rustle up during summer and winter holidays, low brass Christmas carols in the Safeway entrance, hanging on to the back of his truck hoping no music stands or percussion equipment would fly out, or simply sitting and chatting with Jim, his personal impact on my life, directly or otherwise, was significant.

For myself, a person who does not quite believe in the literal, body-to-body transmigration process of reincarnation, instead believes that the impact one has on others during their lifetime is what causes them to, in effect, live forever. In this way, I can be sure that Jim Howell continues to live on through the countless ripples he has made across so many lives.

Rest easy,

Tyler

[photo: Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival Trombone Factory ca. 2007 with Dora]

I’ve known Jim Howell for 57 yrs. I met him when he rescued me from a sketchy situation in the dorms at USC. James was probably my best friend- hardly a day goes by that I don’t remember an experience or lesson from our experiences. We back packed together, rock climbed, road tripped and partied. We cut lots of firewood together and did moonlight assault’s on mountains. I will never forget the man!

I Love ❤️ Jim Howell and I know he has and will continue affecting all the people he has known.

Mr. Howell's first year teaching band at LHS was when I was a senior. I was impressed with him from our very first conversation when he kindly listened to my plea to try out for a spot in Jazz band in September even though that was normally decided the spring before because I had spent my junior year abroad. After taking all things into consideration and how it would impact others he agreed to a try out and after listening to me play gave me a spot playing the flute (normally) not a jazz band instrument and helped me create my own music for each song we played that year. He also taught me to play the valve trombone for a few of the songs to boost the wow factor. He was talented at both playing and teaching music, but most of all just a great person who encouraged others to be the best version of themselves. He was cherished and will be missed. My passion for playing music continues and my children continue this legacy. Thank you for everything Mr. Howell!

Mr. Howell was my band director from 1995-1999. Of all the teachers I have ever had, Mr. Howell was the one who inspired me the most to do greater things than I thought I was capable. He had the ability to see potential in his students, identifying strengths and talents we didn’t know we had. He was encouraging and supportive, but also had high standards, striving for musical excellence. Because of this, we did well in competitions against larger schools. He taught me to love and appreciate jazz.

Mr. Howell was also the wonderful father of my high school best friend. I loved hearing stories Emily would tell me of adventures with her dad - how he would wake her up in the morning and go, “Hey! Wanna go for a hike?”

When my husband and I were getting married, we rented tuxedos for the groom and best man, but on the wedding day there was a mix up with the order and they did not arrive. My husband is 6’ 6”, and the best man is also tall. We were like, “Who do we know in La Grande that is tall and owns TWO tuxedos??” Mr. Howell to the rescue!

In my adult life, I only visited with Mr. Howell a handful of times, but he was always funny, a great conversationalist, and sweet to my kids. I could not possibly forget him, and can only imagine the legacy he leaves behind with hundreds of former students.

Jim was one of my best friends and greatest colleagues. He always had the best interests of his students in his heart and taught me so much. When I moved to Oregon he stood tall as someone who welcomed me and was willing to share his knowledge and time. His spirit will be with me for the rest of my life. I love you Jim.

😢 My heart is with Emily and the Howell family! I’m sorry I won’t be able to attend the service.

I’m so sad to see this!!

However, it gives me a moment to reflect on the four years of wonderful memories I had in his classes….

Mr Howell played a major part in the best and brightest memories of my high school years.

Jazz band and marching band were my favorite classes.

Without him, I wouldn’t have graduated.  I didn’t fit in with any of the “groups”.  I wasn’t popular. I wasn’t into sports.  I wasn’t “cool”. I didn’t fit in. But I found solace in his classes. He gave all of us BAND GEEKS a safe space to be ourselves.

I had NO interest in anything other than music…Before school, during  lunch break, after school - you’d find me in the band room - learning to play any instrument I could get my hands on.

He was so patient; putting up with the antics of the rowdy “trumpet trash” section! Not to mention all the crazy pranks and mayhem we caused on band trips! From broken down buses on the way to the Jazz Festival in Moscow, to the flooding of a few hotel rooms at marching band competitions across the PNW, and so many places in between! (with pit stops at Hot Topic, of course!)

He let me borrow a piccolo on summer break and I was soooo proud to go back to school that fall and play Stairway to Heaven for him!!!

I’m thankful for the hours and hours he allowed me to spend by the stereo near his office, playing Van Morrison & The Moody Blues albums on repeat….while I learned to play the flute so I could play along with my dad when he’d sing Nights in White Satin.  🥰

Despite having no talent in percussion, he let me join the class and rolled with my crazy idea of doing a portion of the concert in the dark; having each of us crack glow sticks as we layered rhythms until the stage was awash with bright colors!

(If someone has that on VHS, holla at me!)

I could go on and on!!! But I want everyone to know that he was so much more than “just a teacher”.

Thank you Mr Howell, for helping me navigate my life through high school. And for surrounding me with people whom I’ve maintained friendships with.

Thank you, for giving us ALL a life-long gift, by teaching  us the universal language of music!!!

I was Mr. Howell's student from 2004-2008. Though he was a great music teacher, the best lessons he taught us had little to do with music. I learned about community, integrity, respect, responsibility, and kindness from Mr. Howell. The community he created within the bands was amazing. I have never experienced such a large, close-knit group since, nor one that had such respect for its leader. Mr. Howell has always held a special place in my heart, and I know I’m not alone. He will be greatly missed.

Kathy and I are sad to hear of Jim Howell’s passing. He was a dear friend and colleague.

We worked together with Oregon Music Educators Association on many projects and events. and he was a dedicated member giving of time and leadership. He was a strong voice on the OMEA board in representing smaller and rural schools. He participated as a staff member on a number of Oregon Ambassador European tours. He touched many lives through music and he will be greatly missed in music world and as a dear friend.

In Loving Memory,

Dave Becker

I met Mr. Howell at the end of his teaching career as he was passing on the reins and I didn't join band until my senior year right after he retired. I never was officially one of his students and yet he took care of me anyway. All of my friends joked that I was the “band groupie”, hanging out in the band room even though I didn't play an instrument and didn't take a class and yet I was always welcome, aways cared for. High school was awful and yet he took care of every single one of his students and made them feel safe and instilled in them a love learning and a passion for music that lasts.

I joined band my senior year of high school with Mr. Levitt and did Woodwind camp at Wallowa Lake, and throughout the year he came back and talked to the students and helped support a new teacher and I saw him at the camp and he still taught lessons after he retired. I remember his retirement party that we hosted at the armory that the ballroom dancing club that I was a part of spent forever coordinating with the jazz band to have a massive dance at. More than just the band students loved Mr. Howell. He cared for so many and everybody else cared for him.

I went on to minor in ethnomusicology and play music all throughout my undergrad and grad programs because of him, and I still try to play the bass clarinet and violin to this day in community bands when I have the time. He had a profound impact on my life and he will be deeply missed.

I met Jim Howell for the first time as an 8th grader in the La Grande community band around 2006. I was ’t a direct student of his, but that didn't matter.

He was fun, funny, and helpful. He did more for me as a musician than anyone else at that time. I owe a lot of who I am and what I do to him.

He introduced me to Brass at Wallowa lake where I was able to make lifelong connections with other great people/ musicians. He gave me lessons while I was in high school. I even job shadowed him my senior year. He's one of the reasons I became a band director.

My favorite memory of him is actually him roasting me during a rehearsal. He and I were playing next to each other in community band while I was in college. I got through a difficult passage (for me at the time) and I proudly shared it with him after we cut off. His response was to lean over and say “even a blind squirrel finds a nut every once in awhile.”

I will never forget him, and I will always do my best to teach the way he taught. With passion, compassion, and humor. Thank you Mr. Howell.

I came to teach at LHS toward the end of Jim’s career there. He was a powerful force, and I greatly admired his demeanor as band director and overall “guy in charge” at school. By then he had developed a very successful music program, with incredible leadership opportunities for his students. I took delight in watching him navigate adeptly through the mountains of administrative requirements that teachers had to deal with, showing us all how to nod our heads and continue right on doing what we knew was best for students. What a fabulous mentor he was.

When my son Noel signed up for a 6th grade percussion class in middle school, Jim was his teacher. A few years later, as the parent of a Jazz band percussionist, I began to see Jazz CD’s showing up at our house, followed by Jazz coming through the stereo, followed by lengthy papers needing to be written each week, all analyzing the music. These were the “Jazz lists” that Jim required. My son spent many, many hours writing these essays, and I was astounded at the amount of feedback that Jim gave him on these papers. How did he find the time to do that?? What a gift he was to his students and to their families. We knew that our kids were in good hands, getting an excellent education from Jim. I’m so very grateful.

Jim will be missed by so many wonderful folks.

Jim touched many with all his love and skill sets.

Jim laughed, loved, taught, learned, listened, and shared his spirit with so much kindness and grace.

Peace you to Jim, you have left an incredible legacy of intelligence and grace.

Xo

I was a band student of Jim Howell’s from 2008-2011. Nothing could have prepared me better for my four years in high school than the leadership and community that Mr. Howell fostered in his students. From the moment I started band camp as a freshman in high school, I felt such a sense of safety, belonging, and self-confidence. This was a reflection of Jim in his students. He had a rare ability to make each student WANT to succeed and thrive, and to be proud of something bigger than themselves.

Though we were not closely connected post high school, Jim Howell greatly influenced the person I am today. I will never forget the foundation he gave me to stand on and the band community I was privileged enough to be a part of under his guidance.

My heart goes out to Jane and the rest of the Howell family. Though I am not able to attend in person, please know that my heart and thoughts are with you.

I was one of many LHS band members who was lucky to have Mr. Howell as director. He was one of the most important teachers and role models in my young adulthood. Mr. Howell was dedicated to his students and I saw in him everything a good leader should be. I often observed his wisdom to know when to place an encouraging word, when to make a suggestion or require performance to a higher standard, and when to give a tempestuous young person space to cool off and regain their composure. He was kind, funny, and commanded respect and inspired students to be passionate about music. Looking back, I am amazed at all of the work and time he gave to the bands--summer camps, early morning drills before classes, evening performances, all-night lock-in, mentoring small ensembles, trips, planning.. the list goes on--and at the vibrant community in the band that resulted. Mr. Howell touched so many lives by creating that unique space for us to mature in, as musicians and people. I will miss him and continue to think of him often.