Jessie Howard

Jessie O. Howard “Junebug” Jessie Ornal Howard, born on May 26, 1972, to Jessie Riley and Denice Howard, left us far too soon on August 29, 2024. Junebug was a devoted father to his four children—Janessa, Totianna, Jessie, and Jaden—and a loving Papa to Azarel and Amarrah. Known to many as “Junebug,” Jessie was named after his father, proudly carrying on the family legacy. His passion for working on cars began with his dad, and together they shared many memorable moments under the hood. This love for cars continued throughout his life and shaped his career as a maintenance technician. Junebug didn’t just fix things; he touched the hearts of everyone he met with his warm smile and infectious laughter. While Junebug spent a short time enjoying life in Vegas, his heart pulled him back to Minnesota. He wanted to ensure his children were together and worked hard to create a stable, love-filled home close to family. To Junebug, his children were everything—his pride, his joy, and his reason for being. He was their protector, their guide, and his love for them knew no limits. In return, his children adored him, and the bond they shared was unbreakable. Junebug shared his mother’s deep love for the Minnesota Vikings. His enthusiasm for the team was a reflection of his spirited personality and his connection to family traditions and memories. Family meant everything to Junebug, and his love extended far beyond his own children. He was a beloved brother, nephew, cousin, and friend. His deep affection for his nieces and nephews was evident in every interaction, as they admired their Uncle Junebug and felt his love. Junebug was also known for his playful spirit, always trying to play a prank or crack a joke. He always had a story to tell and his ability to bring joy to any situation was unmatched. His love for animals and his desire to help others were at the heart of who he was. Junebug had the remarkable ability to make everyone he met feel valued and cared for. His kindness and selflessness were evident in everything he did, whether it was giving the shirt off his back or offering a listening ear. If you needed a friend, Junebug was there, always ready to listen, laugh, and give whatever he could, never asking for anything in return. Junebug will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love and laughter will live on through his family and all who were blessed enough to have known him. Survived by his father, Jessie Riley (Wanda); his mother, Denice Howard; his children, Janessa, Totianna, Jessie, and Jaden; grandchildren, Azarel and Amarrah; sisters Renee, Jaime (Jason), Nicole, and Annie Marie; brothers Jestin and Detroit; bonus siblings; and a wide circle of loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A celebration of Junebug’s life will be held on September 13, 2024, at Billman-Hunt Funeral Chapel, 2701 Central Avenue NE. Visitation begins at 10:00 AM, followed by the service at 11:00 AM. Friends and family will gather to honor his memory and share in the joy he brought to their lives.

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