James Howard View A Story - Burlington, Ontario | Smith's Funeral Home
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This Book of Memories memorial website is designed to be a permanent tribute paying tribute to the life and memory of James Howard. It allows family and friends a place to re-visit, interact with each other, share and enhance this tribute for future generations. We are both pleased and proud to provide the Book of Memories to the families of our community.

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A Life-Long Hero

When I was a young boy, my father would take me to watch the races at the dirt track at Ancaster and Jimmy became one of my first racing heros.  I became a huge supermodifed fan when they ran at Flamboro and I have great memories of Jimmy in his #38, Gary in his #19 and Bob in his #28. When I started my apprenticeship in 1966, in the tool and die shop at International Harvester in Hamilton, I met Don Kennedy, who was a friend of Jimmy's and member of his pit crew. Sometimes Don would invite me to go over to Jimmy's shop on the beachstrip to see the race cars. I was like "a kid in a candy store"!!! Thanks to Don, I feel that I was so lucky because I got see Jimmy create Gary's #19 - 1967 Oswego car and his own rear engine #38 - 1968 Oswego supermodified. Both cars were engineerng masterpieces. The #38 was the first rear engine supermodified to win a race at Oswego Speedway. That is one record that can never be broken!!! The best part of going to the shop was that, through Don. I got to meet and talk to my childhood and lifelong racing hero. Jimmy was true gentleman and such an interesting person. It was a wonderful experience that I have never forgotten. Today, at age 68, my wife and I still follow the supermodifieds at Oswego and ISMA. Our children went to the races with us as they were growing up and now we take our grandchildren on occasion. Jimmy is one of big reasons for my life-long fascination, respect and love for supermodifeds and racing.

Thanks for all the great memories, Jimmy.  My sincere and deepest condolences to your family.

Posted by Al Hossack
Saturday July 25, 2015 at 2:05 pm
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