James "Jim" Charles Howard Jr.

James “Jim” Charles Howard Jr., 74, of Monroe, NC (formerly of South Bend, IN and Delton, MI), passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 5th, at Novant Health Matthews Medical Center, with family by his side.

Jim was born on June 24, 1948, to James and Betty (Watson) Howard in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He graduated from Delton High School, Delton, MI. He then went on to receive bachelor's degrees in biology and horticulture from Michigan State University and Wayne State University, where he found his love for plants and Eva (Quatrochi) Howard, wife for 37 years. Professionally Jim worked in the horticulture business for decades, including owning his own business, Maplewood Nursery in Niles, MI, which he ran for more than 20 years.

Upon retirement, he became an avid woodworker, making beautiful works of art, including his own kayak, in the woodshop in South Bend he built himself. He could often be found at Urgent Care being stitched up after a circular saw mishap, but that did not stop him from continuing with the hobby he loved. He also loved kayaking down the St. Joseph River, with friends and on his own. These trips often left him in the river and being retrieved by the local fire department; this also did not discourage him from getting back in and doing it again, no matter how cold the water was. He was quite dedicated to these hobbies as they made him very happy. He also worked as substitute teacher for a while at his daughter’s school, where he obtained the nickname of “Mr. Fudd” from a loving kindergartener. We are sure he had other nicknames as well.

Later in life, his favorite hobby was sitting in his quiet chair while reading books on espionage and heists, which he sadly, never had a chance to take part in. He also loved his grandchildren and enjoyed spending (small amounts of) time with them, as they were not quiet.

Jim served in the US Army as an artillery mathematician in the Vietnam War from May 1967 to October 1968 when he was honorably discharged after receiving the medals of National Defense Service, Vietnam Campaign, Vietnam Service, and Good Conduct.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Joseph Watson; his former wife, Eva Howard; his brother, Mark Watson; and his brothers-in-law, Ken Holmes and Steve Holmes.

Jim is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Hockenhull (William) of Hartford, CT, and Elizabeth “Lisa” Drenth (Paul) of Kalamazoo, MI; his grandchildren, Catherine Hockenhull, Olivia Hockenhull, Silas Drenth, and Daphne Drenth; his brother, Thomas Howard (Deb) of Richland, MI; his sisters, Janis Doxtater of McFarland, WI, Sharon Mayo (Bert) of Grand Rapids, MI, Marie Holmes of Otsego, MI and Melinda Holmes of Kalamazoo, MI; and several nieces and nephews.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.