Career
Born in Galston, Ayrshire, he joined Kilmarnock from local side Galston Athletic in 1898. He joined Kettering Town in 1901 then moved to Bristol Rovers the next season. Howie was signed by in May 1903 and between then and 1910 made 235 appearances for the club, scoring 81 goals.
During this period he earned three caps for the Scottish national side, making his debut in 1905.
Howie was universally known in the game as "Gentleman James" but was equally notable for his peculiar running action, which looked like a hopping motion. After leaving Newcastle in December 1910 he spent three seasons with Huddersfield Town before retiring.
In 1913 Howie moved into management when appointed manager of Queens Park Rangers, a position he held for seven years. He was then secretary-manager of Middlesbrough from March 1920 until May 1924.
lieutenant is believed that after football Howie became a tobacconist in London.
