James Alfred Howieson

James Alfred Howieson passed from the arms of his family into the arms of the Lord Nov. 4, 2009. Jim will forever be loved and highly regarded by those he has left to honor his life. James A. was born the oldest of 14, closely bonded, children of John Henry and Helen Lucille (Leggett) Howieson on Aug. 1, 1929, in Lancaster (Kittson County), Minn. James graduated from Pemberton High School in 1947. James moved to Farmington, N.M. in 1953 where he met the love of his life, Marcella Mae. They married on Dec. 11, 1954. Jim and Marcella had four children, Charlotte Ann, Richard Allen, Sandra Kay and Janice Marie. Jim was a faithful man of great courage who never complained. He served his country during the Korean conflict from 1951 to 1953. He was a member of the Company D 279, 45th Division attaining the rank of Sergeant First Class. Those who had the honor of working with Jim will remember him as a man of high integrity, amazing strength, superior memory and his dedicated work ethic. Jim grew up a farmer. His brother, Bill, brought Jim to Farmington. After Bill was tragically killed in a rig fire, Jim thought he would return to farming, but God had a different path designed. Jim officially began his career in the oil and gas industry in May, 1954. In 1958, Jim was burned over 90 percent of his body in a rig fire. During his career, Jim mentored several "kids" and moved from Farmington to Elk City, Okla., Amarillo, Texas, Midland, Texas, and back to Farmington. Although the company changed names over the years, El Paso Drilling Co, El Paso Exploration, Meridian Oil, and Burlington Resources, Jim never changed and retired from his successful career after 40 years of service in 1994 as Area Drilling Superintendent. Jim was a strong person, not only in mind but also in spirit. He nurtured a legacy of warmth and caring and a willingness to get involved. Jim and Marcella guided each of their children to a strong Christian faith. James was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Farmington, N.M. Jim served as a Deacon and Elder for many years. He taught Sunday School, chaired the Stewardship Committee, ushered and even sang in the choir at one time. Jim could often be found taking care of the church property. Jim and Marcella made a communion bread for both First Presbyterian Church of Farmington and Elk City. Jim never gave up on anything or anyone. He was a positive influence, trusted counselor and inspiration in the lives of all who knew him. In his retirement, Jim enjoyed golfing with friends, church service, waling, yard work, family time, traveling and grilling steaks that melted in your mouth. Probably Jim's favorite trip was to Scotland where he got to trace the steps of his ancestors. James A. is survived by his daughters and son-in-laws, Charlotte and Mark Bradshaw of Farmington, N.M., and Sandra and Charles Werner of Elk City, Okla.; his son and daughter-in-law Richard and Kathy Nelson of Farmington, N.M.; his grandchildren Michael and Teri Bradshaw of Houston, Texas, Matthew and Charity Bradshaw of Albuquerque, N.M. and Alex and Kelci Werner of Elk City, Okla.; his great-grandchildren Kaitlin, Avery and Gavin Bradshaw; four sisters, Ruth (Richard) Murray of Claremont, Minn., Shirley (Eugene) Nelsen of St. Peter, Minn., Karen (Don) Owen of Urbandale, Iowa, Judith (Harlan) Remington of Janesville; five brothers David (Barb) of Owatonna, Minn., Charles (Marilyn) of Johnson, Iowa, Paul of Owatonna, Minn., Ronald of Livingston, Mont., Larry (Christie) of Crystal, Minn.; one brother-in-law; two sister-in-laws; and many nieces and nephews. Immediate family receiving him in heaven are his wife; parents; daughter, Janice Marie; three brothers, William, Andrew, and John; and one sister, Grace Boeke. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant�?�?�Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord," Matthew 15:21 The family suggests that memorial contributions be made in Jim's memory to First Presbyterian Church Columbarium Fund, 865 N. Dustin Avenue, Farmington, NM 87401 Jim services are entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute Street, Farmington (505) 325-8688.