James Raymond Howie

Age 53, of Flint, passed away Monday, September 18, 2023, in Hurley Medical Center with his family by his side. In accordance with James’ wishes, cremation has taken place. There are no further services scheduled at this time. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on James’ tribute wall at martinfuneralhome.com.

James “Jim” was born in Milford on June 26, 1970, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jack and Rita (Stephens) Howie. Educated locally, Jim graduated from Milford High School with the Class of 1988. He was employed through the Artesian Water Company as the District Regional Field Manager. Jim was a jack-of-all-trades and could fix most anything. If he didn’t know how to fix it, he would watch a YouTube video and figure it out in a matter of minutes. He was fantastic at woodworking and carpentry and created beautiful wood pieces. Working and keeping busy were what he did best. Jim loved to wrench on things and was a great coach and teacher of everything he did, making sure to tell people what they needed to hear, not just what they wanted to hear, which is why he was so well-loved. Jim often took his younger employees under his wing and treated them like family, teaching them everything he knew. Jim had an amazing sense of humor and lived for pranks and practical jokes. Halloween was his favorite holiday and scaring people was one of the things he loved most. In his free time, he enjoyed pursuing his love of guns as a gun collector. Not only did he have a love for all people, but Jim also loved his dogs and spoiled them rotten. Above all else, Jim’s family was his top priority and he loved them all unconditionally. He will be greatly missed.

Left to cherish Jim’s memory are his significant other, Sonya Murgas; children: Jimmy Howie, Stephanie and husband, Robert Rogers, Brendan and wife, Katrina Martell, and Nicholas Martell; siblings: Mike Howie, Vicki Hogan, Jay Howie, Jeff Howie, Carol and husband, Scott Chapman; grandchildren: Adrianna, Nevaeh, Brendan Jr., Kelly, Alexis Jr., Maximo, Emilio, Luca, Sophia, Jacob and wife, Alexis, Kadin, Anabelle, Savannah; several nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents.