James Howe

James Joseph Henry Howe, 80, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2024, in Boston, MA. He was surrounded by the love and support of his wife, children, and grandchildren during his final days.

 James, affectionately known as "Thomas," was born on September 27, 1944, in St. John's, Montserrat, to Margaret and Abraham Howe (both deceased). He was the youngest of 11 siblings. In his early adult years in Montserrat, Thomas worked as a mason and road repairman. In his early 20s, he left the island and moved to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, where he married his first wife and welcomed his first daughter, Denise. While in St. Croix, he worked as a mason, painter, and insulation installer for industrial boilers at the HOVENSA oil refinery. 

 After 13 years in St. Croix, Thomas remarried and moved to Texas with his second wife, Lucille, and his daughter, Gailisher. A year later, he relocated to Louisiana, where he expanded his family with the births of his daughter Tanya and son James Jr. He worked as an ironworker in Louisiana and held various positions with Brown & Root. When work slowed, Thomas moved to Boston, where he continued working until a job-related injury led to early retirement.

 Thomas was a kind, generous, and hardworking man who always put others' needs before his own. Whether sponsoring relatives' immigration to the U.S., helping family and friends with home repairs, or escorting his granddaughter to school and appointments, Thomas gave of himself freely. 

His love language was acts of service, and he often helped without needing to be asked, offering his support purely out of kindness.

 Although reserved and soft-spoken, Thomas wasn't afraid to express himself when necessary. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life: listening to music, tapping his foot in rhythm, and enjoying a beer or soft drink. He loved watching others have fun, whether it was attending the Boston Carnival on Blue Hill Avenue or dancing to Soca music at family gatherings. Thomas enjoyed cooking his favorite meals, including baked turkey wings, Irish potatoes, and cabbage.

He also had a passion for visiting casinos with his road companion Julie and playing the lottery. Even when he could no longer drive, he enlisted his daughters to buy his tickets.

Thomas was a patient, strong, and resilient man who rarely complained, no matter what life threw his way. Despite his health challenges in later years, he found fulfillment in spending quality time with his family, particularly his granddaughter Nia, whom he lovingly referred to as his "daughter" and helped raise from birth. Hours before his passing, Nia held his hand and prayed for him. He responded with a gentle squeeze, a final acknowledgment of her love and presence.

Thomas's memory will forever live on in the hearts of his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

 Thomas is survived by his wife, Lucille Howe; his children, Linda (Denise) Lake, Gailisher Kimble, Tanya Howe, and James Howe Jr.; his daughter-in-law, Andrea Tamar-Howe; his step-son, Ralph Alcendor; his grandchildren, Andre Lake, Tamila Lake, James Thomas Howe III, J'Layah Howe, J'Meson Howe, Nia Knights, and Jasme Howe; his dear family friend Cheron Mathis; and numerous other relatives and friends.