James “Jim” Lee Howard
James Lee Howard
James “Jim” Lee Howard passed away on June 14, 2025, at the age of 67.
Born on February 19, 1958, in Kansas City, Missouri, Jim grew up in Raytown, Missouri with his parents, Paul and Maxine (Lehman) Howard, and his older brothers, Paul and Steve. He attended Kansas State University, where he earned a degree in Landscape Architecture in 1983 and met his wife, Cynthia (Ramsey). The two were married in 1985 and moved to the Seattle area in 1986, and eventually settled in Kenmore, Washington, where they raised their two daughters.
Jim began his career as a landscape architect with Ochsner, Hare & Hare in Kansas City before devoting 37 years to Hough, Beck and Baird in Seattle where he was known not only for his thoughtful design work but also for mentoring young professionals in the field. He has countless projects throughout the Seattle area that can still be seen today. He was a proud member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and stayed actively engaged in civic life, serving on the Kenmore City Planning Commission and the Board of Trustees at Bothell United Methodist Church.
Jim’s love for the outdoors marked his life—he found joy in gardening, hiking, camping, canoeing and fishing throughout the Pacific Northwest. In retirement, he volunteered his time and expertise with many projects, including King Conservation District urban forest health management and Sno-King Water Watchers. He also had a passion for local history and photography, contributing his time and images to the Kenmore Heritage Society. He was a lifelong lover of music and sports; he enjoyed attending concerts, football and baseball games.
Above all, Jim was a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend. He is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Cynthia; his daughters, Haley and Julia; his brothers, Paul and Steve; his cousins Gene Thomas and Sharon Fulkerson; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. His kindness, gentle spirit and deep thoughtfulness will be missed by all who knew him.
10 Responses to “James “Jim” Lee Howard”
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I am heartbroken for Cynthia, Hailey and Julia. Jim was such a wonderful man and will be missed terribly.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jim was so special to so many. May the wonderful memories you shared with him carry you through this difficult time. All our love to Cynthia, Hailey, Julia and the rest of the family.
Dear Cynthia,
I am shocked and saddened. Sending love. Let me know how I can help.
Love, Elizabeth
Wishing comfort and peace to Cynthia, Hailey and Julia. I am mindful of all the wonderful landscaping work Jim did for Bothell UMC. He was quiet and kind and he will be missed.
Dear Cynthia , Hailey and Julia, Sending much love to each of you in this time of sadness. Grateful to have known him and your family through many shared times. Know I am here in any way. Much love,
Macy and gang
I am so sad to learn of Jim’s passing. My thoughts go out to Haley and Julia and Cynthia. Prayers for strength and peace during this difficult time.
Dear Cynthia and Family,
Sending my sincere condolences in the loss of Jim.
In sympathy,
Dede Brokesh
To the Howard Family,
My sincere condolences for the loss of Jim who I remember in my days with him at K-State as a Gentle Giant with this always quiet demeanor and extremely radiate smile. I have been saddened to hear of his passing, but believe his energy will live on in each and everyone of us who knew him and those that came in contact with him over the years. I pray to God for your strength in this most difficult moment and believe that one day smiles will return to our faces when we think of Jim.
May he Rest Peacefully with God Forever and
Always,
Harold Carter
Dear Cynthia and Family,
My sincere condolences. I was a 1983 classmate of Jim’s and enjoyed his thoughtfulness and humor. We both found out that we were going to Denver for our summer internships and decided to room together. We spent the fist few night sofa sleeping at my high classmate of mine’s basement. After 3 days of sofa sleeping, we got our dorm room on the Denver University campus. We rented from the two Denver Hockey players who apparently were the teams stars. Jim and I had fun and got to learn more about the hockey team.
I spoke to Jim on a few occasions over the years and he joyed what he was doing and loved his family.
God be with you!
Steve Bauer
Dear Cynthia, I’m so sorry I was not able to attend the memorial. I want you to know I’m here for you and your family. Call me anytime. We are so saddened by Jim’s passing. Love, Elizabeth and Jim