James William Howard

JACKSON, Calif. – James “Jim” William Howard, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, peacefully passed away on Oct. 15, 2024, in Jackson, Calif., due to congestive heart failure. He was born on June 7, 1938, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston, Maine, to Edward and Irene (DeRosay) Howard, the sole child of a loving family.

At the age of seven, Jim’s family relocated to San Francisco, Calif., where he developed a lifelong passion for the 49ers. He served in the U.S. Army starting in 1958 and later earned a bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State University in 1965. Jim became a Certified Public Accountant in Northern California, dedicating his career to the profession until his retirement in 2000.

Jim’s first marriage was to Linda Longley on April 30, 1960, with whom he shared three daughters, Christie Howard (David Shintani), Kerry Howard, and Colleen Howard Neach (James Neach). On May 31, 1980, he married his second wife, Lory Rova Howard, with whom he enjoyed 44 wonderful years of marriage.

Jim is survived by his loving wife; his three daughters, two sons-in-law; and a large and growing family, including a great-grandchild, Jacqueline Guzman, and seven grandchildren, Ryan Neach, Natalie Neach Piwinski (Christopher), Zachary Neach (Jade), Gabriella Neach, Kathleen Schultz Guzman (Nathan), Jacob Schultz, and Elena Shintani.

In his final days, Jim was surrounded by family who cherished him deeply. His laughter, captivating stories, and jovial spirit will be sorely missed. Jim took great joy in special occasions, often spoiling his grandchildren with Christmas snow machines, organizing Easter egg hunts, and challenging them with trivia quizzes that shared his love for history and geography. He inspired his daughters with a passion for life and taught them the importance of respect for others around the world.

He was a man who loved deeply—his friends, his family, and his country—and his absence leaves a profound void in the lives of those who knew him. The world is a sadder place without Jim Howard, but his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who loved him.