James “Jim” Howlett passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, at Smilow Cancer Hospital on Thursday, March 18, 2021. Jim was born in 1938 to Reginald and Mabel (Goate) Howlett. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Brenda (Titcombe) Howlett, son Matthew Howlett and his wife Jennifer of North Haven, and Sarah White and her husband Robert of Boston, MA. Also known as “G-pa”, he was a loving grandfather to Jackie, Nick, Tristan, and Tessa. Born in Woodford, Northants, England, Jim married Brenda in 1964 and together they immigrated to the United Stated in 1966. Jim worked as an engineer at Sikorsky Aircraft Corp in Stratford, CT for 40+ years. In 2011 he was recognized by the Vertical Flight Society for making notable and outstanding technical contributions to the vertical flight community. Jim had a passion for alpine skiing and spent many fond years skiing with his family and close friends at Smugglers’ Notch, VT as well as ‘out West’ and Europe. He was an avid gardener, particularly to growing and tending roses. Along with Brenda, they were members of the North Haven Daytime Garden Club. He also enjoyed sketching. Jim loved the sport of soccer, playing himself in his youth, watching his children and grandchildren play, and coaching for the North Haven Soccer Club for more than 45 years. After his retirement at age 74, Jim and Brenda travelled to many parts of the world to walk and hike.
Visiting hours at the Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue will take place Thursday March 25th from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Yale Cancer Center (https://www.yalecancercenter.org/gifts/) or the Vertical Flight Foundation Scholarship Fund (https://vtol.org/education/vertical-flight-foundation-scholarships/support-the-vff-scholarship-fund).
Jim was one of the people I looked up to when I started my career at Sikorsky. He was a great engineer and a very good leader. He was missed when he left the company and will be missed more now. Prayers to his family at this difficult time.
Jim has been an amazing colleague and i truly appreciated our casual chats about gardening. He was definitely missed after he retired. Sending my heartfelt condolences to his family.
Please add my name to those who have commented on the engineering brilliance that Jim brought to Sikorsky. As one of the test pilots whose career span matched Jim’s, I can with certitude make the observation that Jim’s basic work toward the design of all the models from the Blackhawk to the S-92 resulted in helicopters that found enthusiastic acceptance not only in the US military, but in commercial operations world-wide. A gentleman who was a pleasure to work with.
I worked with Jim for over 40 years, and can attest to his wonderful creativity as an engineer. He was in charge of the ease and stability of how our helicopters flew, so as a test pilot, I worked daily with Jim. His creativity is measured by how many patents he holds for Sikorsky helicopters with true innovations that add to the safety of the machines. As a person, Jim had a wonderful sense of humor, and always had a smile and a kind word for the folks who worked with and for him. Jim, we will miss you.
Jim Howlett was my dear friend and colleague for my entire career and beyond. I had the great pleasure of knowing him and working with him and will miss him dearly. I can’t think of anyone else I would rather have worked with more or have had as a professional colleague. Without question his contribution to handling qualities and the piloting community were unmatched. One of his legacies is that he was the principal architect of one the analysis tools that we use at Sikorsky for design purposes and it is considered across the industry to be in a class by itself. May he Rest In Peace.
Jim was one of our generations great engineers at Sikorsky. His genius led to the development of genhel , an analytical simulation tool which continues to provide great competitive advantage to the firm . He was internationally recognized for his competence and achievements.I have very fond memories of many conversations with him. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Jim is gone but he will live on in our memories.
Hugs and prayers to Brenda, Sarah and Matt. Jim was a very giving man who always gave service to his community friends. I will miss seeing him at the district soccer meetings.
Sincere condolences to Brenda, Matt, Sarah and family on Jim’s passing. The Community of North Haven benefitted from the many years of service unselfishly given by Jim and Brenda. Our three sons played soccer and the Howlett’s presence at the soccer fields during practices, games and tournaments was constant.. Their contribution will be remembered by many. Jim was always polite and hard working. Our entire family sends prayers for Jim and his family.
~Ed and Susan Pepe
A first-class engineer and a true gentleman.