Jimmie Lewis Howard Sr., 66, of Benton Harbor, MI, passed away February 21, 2016 at Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph, MI. His celebration of life will take place at Beautiful Gate Baptist Church, 809 Territorial Road, Benton Harbor, MI on Friday, March 4, 2016 at 12:00pm with visitation at 11:00am. Burial will take place at Crystal Springs Cemetery, Benton Harbor, MI. Pastor Charlie Jones Jr. will officiate. Jimmie was born December 10, 1949 in Memphis, TN, to the late Ophelia Howard and Wade Bryant. Jimmie, affectionately known as “Radio”, was happily married to his wife of 37 years, Doris Howard of Benton Harbor, MI. He professed his faith in Christ at an early age and was a faithful member of Beautiful Gate Baptist Church. Jimmie attended Benton Harbor Area Schools and graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1967. He later earned an Associate’s degree from Lake Michigan College in 1982.

Jimmie worked at Bosch braking system for 33 years until he retired in 2007. He was a machine repairman that served several years on the Union shop committee. Since retirement, Jimmie worked as a personal trainer at the YMCA and Lifetime Fitness.

Jimmie was a lifetime member of the NAACP, Moose Lodge and the F.O.P. Lodge. He served in various positions throughout Benton Harbor. He was a lifetime member and Past Worshipful Master of King Solomon Masonic Lodge #1, Past High Priest of Homer Towns Royal Arch Chapter #1, Deputy Grand Master of Jurisdiction of St. Andrews Commandery #1, Past Commander in Chief of Mt. Shiloh Consistory #1, Past Grand Master of King Darius Grand Lodge #1, Shriner, Deputy Potentate-Abba Temple #1, and Worthy Patron, Rose of Sharon O.E.S (Order of Eastern Star). Jimmie loved God, his family, friends and church. He was known for his commitment to fitness and enjoyed traveling. He leaves to cherish his memories, wife Doris; four sons: Jimmie Howard Jr. and Sean Howard, both of Grand Rapids, MI, Sherrod (Lavika) Morgan Sr. of Jackson, TN and Jeremiah Howard of Benton Harbor, MI; one daughter, Sharetta Howard of Detroit, MI; six grandchildren: Jazzmyn, Jimmie III, Parker, Jaden, Sherrod II and Christian; one brother, Jerry Howard of Benton Habor; chosen daughter, Licia “Nicky” Mitchell; two God Mothers, Arlene “Lil Momma” Sisson and Lennie Hegler; God brother,Cordell Kelly; God daughters: Loretta Guidry, Annetta ”Net” Johnson and Sheryl Finley; God sons: Leveal Buels and John (Tracy) Huddleston; special friends: Dr. Michael C. Carson, James Herrion and his “lil buddy”, Conner Craig. Jimmie also leaves to cherish a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Ophelia Howard and Wade Bryant; grandmother, Amanda Howard and brother, Larry Howard.