Jim Howerton

Jim Howerton Sr., 65, a lifelong resident of Ilwaco, died January 9, 2008 in Astoria. Born August 19, 1942 in Ilwaco, he was the son of Raymond Howerton and Eleanor Williams-Howerton-Bacon, both descendents of pioneer Peninsula families. Jim attended Ilwaco grade school and graduated from Ilwaco High School in 1960. Jim's father and uncle were the founders of the Ilwaco Telephone Company, and Jim followed in their footsteps. His career spanned 45 years at Telephone Utilities and later CenturyTel, the successors to the original enterprise. Jim was the central office engineer based in Long Beach when he retired. Jim was raised in the Lutheran faith. His interests included old cars, drag racing, computers, model railroading, shooting, and in past years, motorcycling, duck hunting and wood cutting. Jim enjoyed living on the Peninsula, taking his dog for rides on the back roads and the beach. He also enjoyed a good winter storm and keeping an eye on the stock market. Jim prided himself on keeping up with the technological changes in the telephone and communications industries. Jim married Joan Gisler in 1968 and had four children: Jim Howerton Jr. of Chinook, Jeff Howerton of Vancouver, WA, John Howerton, and daughter Julie Cattin both of Kelso. Jim is also the grandfather of Julie's three children Daryn, Rayna, and Natylee Cattin. In 1987, Jim re-married to Minnie McKinley-Wirkkala who survives him with her children Eddie, Walter, and Shellie Wirkkala all of Rosburg, WA. The memorial service will be Saturday, January 19, 2008, 1:00 PM at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Chinook with a reception to follow at the church. A private family graveside service will be held that morning at Ilwaco Cemetery.