Jimmy Lew Howard

Jimmy Lew Howard, 81, unexpectedly died Monday, June 20th, 2016, after a brief hospital stay. The world lost a wonderfully open smile, a wickedly infectious laugh, a giver of unconditional love, a singular style, and the best head of hair ever! As Jimmy wished, he did not suffer and passed peacefully into a better place. Jimmy was a fun-loving and active enthusiast of life. He loved long jokes, fast cars, golf, his countless friends, and most of all, his family. Jimmy was born at home in Asher, Oklahoma, on January 24th, 1935, but migrated to Tulare, CA, with his family during the dust bowl in the late '30's. After graduating Tulare Union High School and College of the Sequoias, Jim joined the US Army and is a proud veteran of the Korean War. He married Melva Jean Reniker in 1957, and settled in Modesto where they raised two sons, Craig and Ryan, and were forever supportive of their many varied activities. Jim and Jean were active in their church, and were comfortable with most everyone in every situation; and Jim, forever the entertainer, was always inviting friends over to create good times and lasting memories. Jimmy loved people! and talking! And talking to people! Jimmy spent most of his career as a real estate professional, and after moving back to Tulare in 1998 to take care of aging parents, retired to the mortuary business. Jimmy continued to work part time, taking great joy in staying active with his 4 brothers, Max, Joe, Don, Charlie, and his little sister, Georgia. Jimmy was the oldest, and is preceded in death by parents George and Mabel Jolley Howard, brother Joe Howard, parents-in-law Melvin and Alma Rogers Reniker, and brother-in-law Bennie Lee Reniker. Jimmy took great joy in his 7 grandchildren, Ryan and Allyson's kids, whom he loved dearly. Anyone who knew Jimmy, knew that he had a special way with babies and children, and worked his magic whenever he got the chance. He will be missed by Taylor, Lauren, Makenna, Ivy, Noah, Samuel, and Zachary. Jimmy is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 59 years, Jean, sons Craig Howard of Sacramento and Ryan (Allyson) Howard of Fresno, siblings Max (Nadine) Howard of Tulare, Don (Judy) Howard of Porterville, Charlie (Sharla) Howard of Visalia, Georgia (Eddie) Alberti of Tulare, sisters-in-law Mary Howard of Tulare, Bobbi Reniker (Bill) Fox of Idaho, Sandra Avila Reniker of Washington, seven grandchildren, and countless aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends. A Celebration of Life is planned for Tuesday, June 28th, 2016, at 3PM, at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel, located at 127 East Caldwell Avenue, Visalia, CA 93277. Jimmy's ashes will be interred at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery once Jean is ready to join him. Condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com

Jimmy Lew Howard

January 24, 1935 - June 20, 2016