HOWARD - James Harold Howard, 75, of Yulee passed away May 14, 2015.
Mr. Howard was born January 21, 1940 in Polk City, FL. His family moved to Auburndale, FL where he attended school. He played tackle on the high school football team. The team went to district conference.
in July, 1957 he and three other family members were in a very serious traffic accident ending his football career and killing is older sister. James and the two remaining family members were hospitalized for a lengthy period. During this time the family was moved to Tampa, FL. James attended one school semester in Tampa before all family members were discharged from the hospital and the family moved to Defuniak Springs, FL. There James graduated from high school, met and married Myra Sue Brown in 1959. Together they had four beautiful children: Wendy Sue, Pamela Ann, James Gregory and Christopher Bruce. The lived in Defuniak Springs, FL where James worked at various jobs. Then Marshall town, Iowa where James received training. They then moved to Tampa, FL where he worked in construction. Next came Atlanta, GA. Later they moved to Panama City, FL where James worked with the Florida Forestry Service. In March, 1970 they divorced.
James later moved to Ft. Myers, FL. There he married Virginia Morris. James and Virginia moved to Jacksonville, FL where James worked for the railroad.
James enjoyed being outside and worked in his hard which he always kept well manicured and beautiful. He and Virginia enjoyed camping and travel. They were married forty seven years before Virginia died in February, 2014.
James was known and well liked by all who met him. He was an active member of Yulee Baptist Church as long as he was physically able.
James is predeceased by his wife, Virginia; his parents, James G. and Elva E. Howard: his older sister, Dorothy Joann Howard; and brother in laws, Henry A. Thomas and Dwight D. Williams.
He is survived by his two sisters, Eloise E. Thomas and Jimmie W. Boldger; one brother in law, L. E. Boldger; his two sons, Greg and Chris; his two daughters, Wendy and Pam; one step son and daughter in law; six grandsons; four great grand children and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 20, in the Stephens Chapel at Green Pine Funeral Home with Rev. Doug Sides officiating. Interment will follow in Green Pine Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, friends and relatives may make memorial donations to the American Lung Association in James' name.