James Cyril Howe

Birth: Portland, Oregon, on July 10, 1950

Death: Bellingham, Washington, on July 26, 2024, at the age of 74.

Residences: Chicago and Oak Park, Illinois; Huntington Woods, Michigan; Medford, Oregon; Oakland, California; and finally, Bellingham, Washington.

Jim had a lifelong commitment to social justice, which began in high school with a student activist newsletter and continued with anti-war protests at the University of Oregon. Throughout his life, he engaged in community struggles and issues wherever he lived and worked, driven by his belief that he could contribute to making the world a better place.

This belief led to a long and distinguished career in Occupational Safety. After working in Chicago-area steel mills, he started at Electro-Motive Diesel, a GM plant in the Chicago area. The devastating, never-ending work-related injuries inspired him to become a union plant safety representative. He then became a founding director of the UAW-GM Joint Health and Safety Center and eventually Assistant Director of the UAW Health & Safety Department. He consistently sought the input of others—workers, staff, safety professionals, academics—learning from all and encouraging everyone. Over time, he became an acclaimed practitioner and promoter of the New View of Safety: “Don’t blame the worker; fix the system” became his message and mission.

Still committed to improving worker safety, Jim retired in 2004 and founded Safety Solutions LLC, a consulting firm that operated from 2005 to 2024. As a Certified Safety Professional, a skilled consultant, and a deep thinker in the field, he was a valued member and chair of numerous U.S. and international safety associations and standard-setting committees. His contributions were recognized with many awards, including the 1997 Michigan Safety Professional of the Year.

Jim and Lynn were married in LaPorte, Indiana, in 1973 and recently celebrated 51 years of marriage. Jim strongly supported Lynn’s evolving career in nursing and occupational health in both Chicago and Detroit, as well as her political activism and campaigns in retirement. Their loving partnership produced two children, Susie and Paul, who were the sources of great happiness for Jim. Jim introduced Paul to computers at a young age, teaching him skills that would later shape Paul’s fulfilling career. Jim was thrilled to watch them both grow into strong, interesting, and thoughtful people and cherished his connection to their lives.

Family was a constant source of joy, laughter, and meaning in Jim’s life. He and Lynn devoted significant time to traveling across the country and internationally to visit family. Jim was highly social, always eager to expand his circle of friends and family, and he actively participated in activities such as pickleball, line dancing, reunions, and hiking. His early adoption of new technology also helped him maintain and build connections. He is survived by Lynn, Susie, Paul, and his siblings Bill, John, Tom, Joan, Jean, and Mary, as well as many nieces and nephews.

After being diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer in 2019, Jim pursued various treatments and therapies at UCSF, Stanford, LA-based Prostate Oncology Specialists, and ultimately at Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle. Throughout his journey, Jim’s unwavering optimism and belief in the power of health and fitness, combined with exceptional medical care, remained central to his approach. He shared this optimism with fellow cancer patients through classes, events, support groups, and within the Cancer Support Community in Walnut Creek, CA.

Celebration of Life for Jim Howe

Saturday March 8, 2025, 2 to 4 PM Pacific Time

Ainsworth House & Gardens, 19130 Lot Whitcomb Drive, Oregon City, Oregon

RSVP REQUIRED BY FEBRUARY 21 FOR ATTENDANCE AT AINSWORTH

RSVP to [email protected] 541-778-9600

Contributions in his honor can be sent to:

The Cancer Support Community

https://cancersupport.net

3276 McNutt Ave

Walnut Creek, California 94597

925-933-0107