Seattle Area Funerals, Burials, and Cremations

Centers in: Edmonds Kirkland Renton

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24 hours a day 7 days a week
(425) 823-1900

Kirkland Office- Get Directions

North Park Business Center
11630 Slater Ave NE, Suite 1A
Kirkland, WA 98034
Telephone (425) 823-1900
Fax (425) 823-1977
Office Hours 9:00 to 5:00 M-F
Evenings & Weekends by Appt

Kirkland Funeral Service

Edmonds Office- Get Directions

8226 212th Street SW
Edmonds, WA 98026
Telephone (206)-420-1875
Fax (425) 823-1977
Office Hours 9:00 to 4:00 M-F
Evenings & Weekends by Appt

Edmonds Funeral Home

Renton Office- Get Directions

Renton Plaza Building
1400 Talbot Rd. S., Suite 104
Renton, WA 98055
Telephone (206) 329-7800
Fax (425) 823-1977
Office Hours By Appointment

Renton Funeral Service

James “Jim” Lee Howard

 

image of 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.

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