James Kyle Howe, known to family and friends as Jim, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2025, at the age of 80. Jim was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, on September 30, 1944, to Hugh Henry Howe and Grace Ione (Bunn). In his early years, Jim’s family relocated to Osceola, Missouri, where they ran a sawmill and farm. Jim graduated from Osceola High School in 1962, a year marked by both triumph and loss as his father passed away that same year.
After high school, Jim worked on missile silos before attending Cummins Diesel Mechanic School in Kansas City, Missouri. He worked as a mechanic until 1972, living and working in Kansas City during that time. In 1964, Jim married Betty Ann Moore, and they had two children: James Bradley and Angela Sue.
Jim later returned to the farm, where he balanced a career at P & M Coal Mine, commuting daily to La Cygne, Kansas, for 17 years, while also continuing to run the farm. He developed a remarkable talent for operating bulldozers and heavy equipment. He was dedicated to purchasing and developing additional land, expanding the family farm over the years. Jim’s love for the land was evident as he transformed it into a property that reflected his dreams and hard work. A gifted mechanic, he could fix anything that broke down on the farm. Whether it was an old tractor, a stubborn engine, or a piece of equipment long past its prime, he had the skill and patience to bring it back to life.
A true outdoorsman, Jim had a deep love for hunting, fishing, and spending time with family and friends. He was known for always putting out a trotline to catch fish for deer camp and enjoyed the simple, meaningful moments of life with those he loved. Jim also had a passion for farming and raising cattle, becoming known as one of the best cattlemen around. He enjoyed visiting with people, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Jim faced several physical challenges throughout his life, overcoming obstacles even when doctors told him it would not be possible. His courage, strength, and resilience were traits that defined him.
In November of 1979, Jim met ReAnn Lucas after surviving a horrific third-party attempt to end his life. In May of that same year, they started dating. Nearly everyone said they belonged together. They were married in June of 1990, and worked side by side every day building a life together through all of life’s ups and downs. They raised fine cattle with hard work, and Jim’s knowledge and skills of how to send quality calves to the market year after year. Jim was born to live the life he had, and ReAnn loved him every day more than life itself. Her devotion and loyalty saw him through pain and dark days after he was diagnosed with cancer in 2023. He walks God’s pastures now in peace, and contentment with no pain or sorrow, and Heaven will be brighter with his presence. He will be missed from this world but always held close in the hearts of those that loved him always.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters: Arline Horton (Bud), Helen Morris (Gene), Ruth Goode (Ernie), and brother Jerry Howe (Venita).
Jim is survived by his wife ReAnn, his children Brad Howe (Holly), Angela Wheeler (Byron), grandchildren: Brecklyn Yocum (Alex), Justin Howe, Branna Murray (Brandon), and Jessica Howe (Dalton), great-grandchildren: Bowie and Aiden. He is also survived by his brother Bill Howe (Carol), and sister Lavada Allen, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.