Obituary of James A. Howe
James Alan Howe departed this world December 17th, his mother's birthday, after a short, sudden illness. He was born in Putnam, CT. on January 27th, 1968 and went home with his parents to South Woodstock where he remained until his passing. Jimmy leaves behind his loving mother Marie (Marrier) Howe, brothers: Steven and his wife Rhonda of Central Village; their children Andrew & wife Becky and Angelica; Brian and his wife Laura of Norwich and their children Kristina & Keesen. He was predeceased by his father, Herbert in 2018 and brother Robert “Bobby” in 2011.
Jimmy enjoyed learning and received certificates from the Putnam library for his achievements in typing and writing using his “JAWS” screen reading program which he waited years to get. He would also use his Brallier to create short stories and then read them aloud to his mom or friends. Jimmy had an amazing sense of humor and would laugh out loud before he even spoke his thought. He loved to reminisce about the times he went to the races with his family or went with his dad to the Sportsman’s club where his job was pulling the trap for skeet shooters.
Although Jimmy was blind, he managed to live a full and productive life; volunteering at The Bradley, Boxcar Museum & PBA’s First Friday Committee, all of which he was so proud to be a part of. He enjoyed working out at the Y, participating with the local advocacy group, swimming, bowling & listening to car racing and football on TV with his mom. He loved to “crank” up the music in his room and rock out for hours. Jimmy also had an opportunity to be on Heritage Radio announcing the time or sharing information about the Last Green Valley. Speaking of which, when weather permitted, Jimmy could be seen walking the Putnam River Trail, Roseland Park or many of the other local trails. Jimmy was fortunate to create his own support program and enjoyed time with his staff doing many of the things previously listed. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Jimmy was also a member of the Southeast CT Center of the Blind where he met many peers and enjoyed so many fun activities. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jimmy’s honor can be sent to: Southeastern CT Center of the Blind, 45 Broad Street, New London, CT 06320 or www.Centeroftheblind.com. Share a memory at www.smithandwalkerfh.com