| 12/13/2006 | JAMES B. HOWLEY JR. BURLINGTON — James B. Howley Jr., 81, of Burlington, died peacefully Friday, Dec. 8, 2006, in the Vermont Respite House in Williston. Jim was born June 7, 1925, to Laura Geraghty and James B. Howley Sr., in Keene, N.H. He grew up in Rutland with two halfsisters. It was at Mount St. Joseph that Jim first acquainted himself with the clarinet and saxophone. In 1943, Jim went on to study at the Boston Conservatory of Music. He enlisted in the Army on July 6, 1943, and began playing music in the Army band. This was the beginning of a long and happy career that gave him much pleasure and the chance to travel. Jim was an original member of the UVM Catamount Orchestra. In 1952, “Jim and Jacquelyn,“ were featured at several university performances and written up in “Down Beat“ magazine. In later years Jim continued to make music with Dr. Jazz and the Dixie Hot Shots. These were some of his happiest times; playing with great musicians who were also his good friends. He was also a member of Joe Levesque's Big Band. This gave Jim the opportunity to play with some of the best musicians in Vermont. When Jim moved from Charlotte Street to the Converse Home, he took his saxophone and clarinet with him. He was a long time member of Christ the King parish, and enjoyed ushering. Jim is survived by his children, James B. Howley III and his wife, Kathleen McNeil Howley of South Burlington, Johanna Page and her husband, Michael of Burlington, Suellen Howley of Montpelier, Anne Howley of Cambridge, John Howley, and his wife, Michon Davies of Tucson, Ariz. He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Gavin Howley of South Burlington, Laura Howley and her husband, Brandon Peterson of Portland, Ore., and Liam, Michaela, and Devon Page of Burlington. He is also survived by his cousins, Margaret Rooney Prescott and Edward Rooney. Jim was predeceased by his wife, Jacquelyn, in 1988; and son, Nicholas, in 1976. He often remarked how fortunate he was that two gentle women were in his life; his wife Jackie, and lovely friend, Winnie Haire. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, Dec. 18, at 10 a.m. in Christ the King Church, 143 Locust St., Burlington, with burial to follow in Resurrection Park Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held Sunday, Dec. 17, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Ready Funeral & Cremation Services, South Chapel, 261 Shelburne Road, Burlington, VT 05401. For those who wish, donations in his memory may be made to the Vermont Respite House, 99 Allen Brook Lane, Williston, VT 05495. To send online condolences, please visit www.readyfuneral.com |