Eva M from above, almost had the answer as posted above (Thanks Eva M!):
var validator = $( "#myform" ).validate();
validator.form();
This is almost the answer, but it causes problems, in even the most up to date jquery validation plugin as of 13 DEC 2018. The problem is that if one directly copies that sample, and EVER calls ".validate()" more than once, the focus/key processing of the validation can get broken, and the validation may not show errors properly.
Here is how to use Eva M's answer, and ensure those focus/key/error-hiding issues do not occur:
1) Save your validator to a variable/global.
var oValidator = $("#myform").validate();
2) DO NOT call $("#myform").validate() EVER again.
If you call $("#myform").validate() more than once, it may cause focus/key/error-hiding issues.
3) Use the variable/global and call form.
var bIsValid = oValidator.form();