James "Jim" Russell Howard

James, or as most people called him, Jim, was born to Russell and Bonnie Howard, August 26, 1943, in Seattle, Washington. Jim moved around as a child, never staying in one place too long. Occasionally, it wasn't even long enough to have an opportunity to unpack before his father, an oil worker, was reassigned to a new location. While in high school, Jim developed a love for baseball and gymnastics. His talent as a gymnast earned him an invite to the Olympic trials. Unfortunately, a car accident derailed his plans of competing and forced him to complete high school from his hospital bed.

Jim met Nancy in 1963 in Springfield, Illinois while they were attending college. They were married in 1964 and soon expanded the family with Phil in 1965. Then in 1969, their second child, Greg was born. Tragically, four years later the family suffered the loss of their newborn. In 1973, the family relocated to Paris, Kentucky, and welcomed their third child, Bryan, in 1977. In 1978, the family moved to Cary, North Carolina where they still live today. Jim and Nancy would have celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary this November.

Jim loved to do about anything with his family, but one of his true loves was to freshwater fish (Bass). It did not take much encouragement to get him out of the house and on a lake or pond nearby. If you were lucky enough to snap a picture of him, you would be most likely catch him wearing his traditional Bass Pro Shop hat. One of Jim's other great passions was for animals, mainly dogs. He never found one that he would not greet. He even went so far as to mount a treat bucket in the front yard, so he was prepared when a dog walked by. Jim also enjoyed the sweeter things in life. Many family members and friends often joked with him about his sweet tooth. One of his favorite places to take his grandchildren was the local candy/chocolate shop, Chocolate Smiles. If you spent time with Jim, he was always good for a laugh. His ability to tell a story was second to none, with many of his grandkids begging him to tell them another whenever they came over. He was loved and cherished by many.

Jim is survived by his wife Nancy, his three sons and their families, Phil, Tammy, Phillip, Rebecca, and Rachel; Greg, Tisha, Sydney, and Matthew; Bryan, Kelly, and Cayden. Jim was predeceased by his parents, Russell and Bonnie, along with his sister Monnie Watson.

A visitation for James will be held Monday, July 24, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 200 Southeast Maynard Road, Cary, NC 27511. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, July 25, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at St Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 804 High House Rd, Cary, NC 27513.

Memorial contributions in Mr. Howard's honor may be made to the SPCA of Wake County 200 Petfinder Ln, Raleigh, NC 27603, St Michael Church 804 High House Road, Cary, NC 27511 or St Lawrence Treasure 1027 Medlin Drive, Cary, NC 27511

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Howard family.