James Wesley Howard (“Jim”) of Columbus, GA passed away on Saturday February 5, 2022 at Columbus Hospice surrounded by his loving wife and family. Jim was born August 8, 1933 in Tifton, GA to the late Hazel Hardy Howard Griffin and James Wilkerson Howard.
Jim spent most of his childhood and teenage years in Norman Park, Georgia graduating from Norman Park High School in 1950. Immediately upon graduation he enlisted in the US Navy serving from 1950 – 1954 during the time of the Korean Conflict. He rose to the rank of Chief Radarman on the destroyer escort, USS Spangler. His time in the Navy held some of his life’s fondest memories; he loved retelling stories about his time at sea. Jim had many close Navy friends with whom he forged lifelong relationships. In the latter years, the men he served with held annual reunions and Jim attended regularly until his health no longer permitted. Upon honorable discharge, he returned home to Norman Park and enrolled at Norman College. There he met the great love of his life, Carolyn Daniels, whom he would later marry. Along with Carolyn, he transferred to Mercer University and ultimately completed his education at Georgia State University where he majored in Insurance and Risk Management.
Jim and Carolyn were married in her hometown of Statenville, GA in 1958 and celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary this past July. They spent most of the first years of their marriage in Valdosta, GA until Jim’s work in the insurance industry ultimately led them to Columbus in 1970. They raised their three children and continued to reside in Columbus until his passing. He was active in all of his children’s activities never missing a concert, recital, game, or Scouting activity. He was a member of Morningside Baptist Church where, until illness prevented, he was an active member of the Jeff Engel Sunday School class.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and sister Bettye Jean Kelly. Jim is survived by his wife Carolyn Elizabeth Daniels Howard; son James Wesley Howard, Jr. and his wife Mary of Newnan, GA; son Richard Daniels Howard and his wife Michele of Dallas, TX; and daughter Patricia Lynn Howard Nelson and her husband Riley of Perry, GA. He also leaves behind seven beloved grandchildren: James Wesley Howard III, William Daniels Howard, Riley Oakes Nelson III, Mary Lawson Howard, Ryan James Howard, Benjamin Robert Howard, and John Louis Daniels “Jack” Howard.
Flowers are accepted as well as donations to Columbus Hospice in memory of Jim. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Rajinder Chhokar for the many years of care that she provided to Jim and also to the dedicated staff of Columbus Hospice who provided wonderful care and compassion for him in the last few weeks of his life. A memorial service will be held at Striffler Hamby Funeral Home on February 10, 2022. The family will receive guests at 1:00 and the service will begin at 1:30.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Howard family.
