James ‘Jimmy’ Howard tribute for much-loved market busker

The Noosa and Sunshine Coast hinterland communities have paid tribute to long time market busker James ‘Jimmy’ Howard after he passed away following a health battle.

The Noosa and Sunshine Coast hinterland community has paid tribute to long time busker James ‘Jimmy’ Howard after he passed away following a battle with emphysema and a long standing lung infection.

Mr Howard, who died on July 18 at the age of 92, had been involved as a busker at the Eumundi Markets for 23 years and the Noosa Farmers Market for 17 years.

His partner Valerie Tidy and best friend Ray Vella said he would be remembered by many.

“Jimmy had one sister Mary, one brother Paul, two half brothers Peter and Justin and he had a large family with his first wife so he then had 40 grandchildren and an unknown number of great grandchildren,” Mr Vella said.

“He grew up at Beagle Bay Mission in the Kimberley before moving to Broome and after his marriage failed he was offered a job as a tour driver.

“On one of those tours he met Val and they went on to spend the next 38-years together.”

Jimmy Howard pictured in 2013 at the Noosa Farmers Market. Picture: Megan Slade

Ms Tidy said he found his true passion when he owned his own guitar and would perform at the Roebuck Hotel and appear in a couple of TV documentaries.

The pair moved to Alice Springs in 1983 and Mr Howard finished in second place in the busking competition at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Jimmy Howard entertains Kevin Rudd at Rapid Creek market in Darwin.

Mr Vella said he would be sorely missed.

“They finally settled down in Tewantin and each year Jimmy travelled to the Outback and destinations in Northern Australia to perform his campfire shows at various caravan parks,” he said.

“It didn’t matter where he stopped to camp, there was always an audience and when he’d return to the Coast it was off to the markets to busk.

“Jimmy loved to sing Australian bush ballads and he felt they told an authentic story of country life in Australia.

“When he took his breaks he would stop and have a chat with the many people who visited the markets.

“Jimmy was a gentleman, always a hit with the ladies with his quiet ways and good looks and he attracted children like a magnet with his cowboy appearance and his special way with them.”