Oswego, NY - It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of James "Jim" Howard, a legendary figure in collegiate wrestling, a devoted mentor to generations of student-athletes, and an enduring pillar of the SUNY Oswego community.

Jim's remarkable career spanned more than three decades and left an indelible mark on the sport of wrestling and the lives he touched. For 26 years as head wrestling coach, Jim guided the Lakers with passion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Under his leadership, the program produced 28 NCAA All-Americans, including three national champions, and six Top-10 NCAA team finishes, highlighted by a third-place finish at the 1982 National Championships. His accomplishments earned him honors such as Division III Wrestling Coach of the Year (1982) and SUNYAC Coach of the Year (1987). 

Beyond wins and accolades, Jim's influence was rooted in the character he helped cultivate in his student-athletes. Known affectionately simply as "Coach" by those whose lives he shaped, he was celebrated as a true professional and enduring role model, inspiring countless wrestlers to pursue greatness on and off the mat. His service for the broader coaching community included terms as president of the National Wrestling Coaches Association and the Division III Wrestling Coaches Association, rare honors reflecting his stature among peers. 

With a lifelong commitment to sport and community, he led a family deeply rooted in athletics and service, with the Howard dynasty at SUNY Oswego and beyond, including multiple family members carrying on the traditions of competition, coaching, and leadership, including Mike Howard, who coaches wrestling and golf, and Britt Howard, head women's lacrosse coach. 

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, Jim was inducted into the Oswego State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001, and his legacy continues to be celebrated in wrestling circles at the state and national levels. 

Jim Howard will be remembered not just for championships and honors, but for the countless student-athletes who learned discipline, resilience, respect, and pride in representing something greater than themselves. His spirit lives on in each life he helped shape, in each wrestler who stepped onto the mat with the confidence he instilled, and in the resilient tradition of Laker wrestling.

A public celebration of his life and lasting impact will be announced in the coming days on the athletics website, oswegolakers.com.