Jim was born in San Angelo, TX and moved with his family to north central Iowa a year later. The years of childhood and adolescence were spent in Rolfe, a rural community of 800 people. While living there, the family attended the United Presbyterian Church where Jim was very active as a youth.

After graduating high school, he attended Briar Cliff College in Sioux City. A year later, he transferred to Buena Vista College in Storm Lake where he graduated with a BA degree in social sciences. Following graduation, he took a management position with Target Stores working in several mid-west locations.

After an experience as a counselor at the Presbyterian Church Camp on Lake Okoboji, Jim began to explore the possibility of becoming a Minister of Word and Sacrament. In 1994, he returned to the classroom at Dubuque Seminary graduating with a Master of Divinity degree in 1997.

Following his graduation from seminary, Jim was ordained on May 25, 1997 at Eastridge Presbyterian Church in Lincoln, NE. The family moved to Fullerton, NE in June of 1997 where Jim had accepted a call to the First Presbyterian Church.

In 2000, Jim accepted the call to First United Presbyterian Church.  Between Christmas and New Year’s Eve of that year, the family moved to Winterset.  Jim began his role as pastor on January 1, 2001.

Rev. Howland met his wife Joyce at Buena Vista College. They were married January 26, 1991. They have two sons, Christopher age 13, and Michael age 8.

Click to enlarge

Joyce has a degree from Buena Vista College in Business Education.  She has worked as an assistant to the Dean of Student Life at the University of Dubuque , and as a customer service representative for Trilog and Wander Guard Corporation.  When the family moved to Fullerton , she operated an in-home daycare and preschool.  Since moving to Winterset, Joyce has worked at Woodmarc, taught business education at West Central Valley High School , and now is part of the Business Education department at Winterset High School .  She is also the sponsor for the local FBLA chapter, the advisor to the business department of WHS-TV and the assistant coach for the Lady Huskies Soccer Team.

Christopher is an eighth grader at Winterset Junior High School .  He is involved in the Jr High Basketball team, Jr High Cross Country team, Jr High Band, Jr High Chorus, and the community soccer team.

Michael is a third grader at Winterset Elementary School .  He enjoys playing Little League baseball, being on community soccer, and participating in anything musical.

Work Experience

• Pastor First United Presbyterian Church, Winterset, IA
• Pastor First Presbyterian Church, Fullerton, NE
• Student Chaplain Mercy Health Center, Dubuque, IA
• Admissions Assistant University of Dubuque
• Pulpit Supply University of Dubuque
• Undergraduate Community Coordinator Univ. of Dubuque
• Student Intern First Presbyterian Church Dubuque
• March of Dimes Division Director Lincoln, NE
• Market Researcher and Publication Coordinator, Fairfield Research Lincoln
• Deputy Independent Order of Foresters Lincoln
• Service Manager Target Stores Lincoln

Click to enlarge

• Moderator of Des Moines Presbytery Congregational Care and Development Committee
• Chairperson, Winterset Ministerial Association
• Moderator Comm. On Ministry
• Board Member Interchurch Ministries of Nebraska
• Stewardship and Mission Comm. Central NE Presbytery
• Counselor and Drama Director Presbyterian Church Camp Lake Okoboji
• Theological Student Assistant to General Assembly
• Middle School Youth Group Leader
• Confirmation Class Teacher
• Carillon Choir Director

Community Service

• Board member, Madison County Chamber of Commerce
• Team member, PROSPER Team
• Master of Ceremony, Mel Penrod Stage, Madison County Covered Bridge Festival

Site Map