James R. Howeth, 78, of Helena passed away on February 1, 2011.
He was born in Fort Spunky, Texas, on July 10, 1932 to William & Ouida (Hackworth) Howeth. Jim graduated from high school in Fort Worth. He received a scholarship to play basketball at Texas Christian University, but served in the Army with the 101st Airborne Division in the Korean War. Upon completing his service, he met Marilyn Ponath in Seattle, WA where they were married. After returning to Texas for a brief period of time, they moved to Missoula, MT where Jim graduated from the University of Montana in 1957 with Bachelor of Art Degree in Business. Jim & Marilyn had four sons and later divorced in 1975.
Following graduation, Jim had an extensive and remarkable career in the investment business. Starting in 1957, Jim worked as a security analyst with the trust department of Norwest Bank. In 1959, Jim became a stock broker for D.A. Davidson, and was instrumental in building its municipal bond business. He also served as a Branch Manager and later became a Principal, Director and Vice President of the firm. In 1971, former Governor Forest Anderson tapped Jim to become the first investment officer and administrator of the Montana Board of Investments. Retiring from the State in 1988, he achieved a career dream of establishing his own investment management firm, Anna Corporation, naming the company after his only daughter, Anna. Jim also served on the Carroll College Investment Committee for many years. Jim retired from AnnaCo Investment Management in the fall of 2008 due to poor health.
He married Roberta Inez Daggett in 1975 in San Francisco, CA and they lived in Helena where they had two children, Anna and Jim. They dreamed together of a retirement home up at Ashley Lake, near Kalispell. The home was finished after Inez passed away from cancer in 2000. Jim was really proud of this place and loved being up at Ashley Lake enjoying the “million dollar” view.
Jim was a member of the Montana Club and the Green Meadow Country Club. Through his work at AnnaCo, Jim also enjoyed sponsoring a Governor’s Cup Golf Tournament team. He loved to watch football and was a proud Dallas Cowboys and TCU Horned Frog fan (he must have been the only person in Montana with a TCU license plate cover)!
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Doyle; and his former wives, Marilyn and Inez.
Jim will be greatly missed by his family; children, Dave (Debbie), Missoula; Philip (Joann), Helena; Bill (Debra), Thornton, CO; John (Rhonda), Loveland, CO; Anna (Eric) Kron, Las Vegas, NV; and Jim, Seattle, WA; a sister, Patti Holt, Fort Worth, TX; a brother-in-law, Larry (Linda) Daggett, Great Falls, MT; and a niece, Rocky McCormick, Fort Worth, TX. Jim had eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren that knew him as “big” grandpa.
Special and sincere thanks to the outstanding nurses and aides at the Waterford for their care and love for Jim.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday, Feb 6 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Chapel. Interment with military honors will follow at Forestvale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Carl M. Somers says
Dave and All,
So sorry to read of your Dad’s passing-you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
God’s Blessing-Carl
Cindy Redifer Munger says
My prayers for all of this wonderful family. Knowing you all through Inez and then through Jim has lit a light that I doubt will ever go out.
david orser says
Condolences to Jim’s family-old timers here in Billings fondly remember.
Diane Pedersen says
Anna and family:
I was working for your dad at the Board of Investments the year you were born. Despite people telling me that he was gruff I remember your dad aa a kind and thoughtful person. I learned alot from your dad and consider him one of the best bosses I ever had. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Diane Pedersen
Helena Montana
Joe & Cherie Shevlin says
Phil and family: Our prayers and thoughts are with you all during this time. Joe & Cherie
Mac & Louise Graham says
Dave & Debbie,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. You have our deepest sympathy in this loss, but know God will comfort your heart. Love, Mac & Louise Graham
Mark & Sam Call says
Phil, Joanne, & family we are so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts.
Ray/Diann Unterseher says
To Jim’s Family! I know Jim through Inez as I went to grade school and church with her in the 50’s. We are close to the Daggett Family. I met Jim years ago and he was always so nice to visit with from time to time and He was so polite to me. I enjoyed talking to him. Inez knew what she wanted in life and she had a very good life with Jim. I am so saddened that they have both past away from us, but “Heaven Is Sounding Sweeter All The Time”! God bless you all during this great time of loss. Ann and Jimmy, you have a great heritage and know that God is with you at all times.
Ray Unterseher
Ashlee Henderson says
I’m one of his great grandchildren and I miss him a lot