James "Jim" Spencer Howze

James “Jim” Spencer Howze, 81, of Victoria, passed away, June 16, 2013. Jim was born July 20, 1931, to the late James and Dorothy Spencer Howze in Mercedes, Texas. Jim enlisted for 4 years in the United States Air Force in the Korean War. Jim graduated from the University of Texas in Austin with a master’s degree. He taught at the University of Texas, University of Tennessee, The State Hospital in Austin with special needs children and was an administrator for 20 years with the Texas School for the Deaf. Jim was also a member of MENSA and was in the top 1%. In addition he was also a friend of Bill Wilson for over 35 years. He also was flown to Washington D.C. to help in the development of guidelines for new rules for special needs people.

Jim is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sherilyn Brady Howze; daughters, Tracy Bomba (Russell) and Shelly Schexnayder (John) both of Austin; sisters, Dorothy Lee Blackman of Ft. Worth, Mary Jane Cooper of Wilkes-Barre, PA., Dorothy “Diji” McClamrock of Shreveport, LA., and Mary Driesbach of Keri-Keri, New Zealand. Jim also leaves behind three grandchildren and three great grandchildren to cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his step-mother, Dorothy Porter Howze and sister, Betty Keeton of Bainbridge Island of Washington State.

Special thanks and love for enabling Jim to remain at home by their superior help throughout his disease of Alzheimer’s go to Hospice of South Texas and his caregivers Valentina Morales, Nora Moralez, Virginia Soto and Lucy Gonzales.

Private services will be held in Austin at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of South Texas, 605. E. Locust, Victoria, Texas, 77901.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.