James Donald Howard

James D. Howard, age 85 of Lynn, passed away on Thursday, October 9, 2025, just three days shy of his 86th birthday. He was the beloved husband of the late Geraldine P. (Meiners) Howard, with whom he shared 50 years of marriage.

Born in Lynn to the late John and Mildred (Lucy) Howard. James was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School, Class of 1958. He proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. After his honorable service, James began working for the City of Lynn’s Electrical Department, and after 33 years retired as the Assistant Inspector for the City.

James was a member of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors, the Municipal Electrical Inspectors Association of Massachusetts & Rhode Island, the Retired State, County & Municipal Employees Association, the Lynn Retiree’s Organization, Danvers Fish & Game Club, a Life Member of the NRA, the Essex County Signal Association, and was a licensed Master Electrician in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

James is survived by his daughters Kathie Ann Ducharme and her husband David, Linda Marie Galloway and her husband Tim Sketchley, and Janice Elaine Barber all of Lynn. He was the devoted grandfather of Nicole Ellis, Alicia Smith and her husband David, Connor Galloway, Danielle Barber, and Erin Galloway and the loving great-grandfather of Emmerson, McKenna and Hunter. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife Geraldine, he is predeceased by his granddaughter Kaila Barber and his sister Sandra Halbick.

James’s visitation will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home, 157 Maple Street, Lynn. His funeral service will follow at 12:00 PM in the funeral home. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Lynn. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to All Care Hospice, www.allcare.org.