James Howard Webb

James “Howard” Webb, age 86, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026, with his family by his side. He was born in February 1940 in Port Arthur, Texas, and lived a full and generous life marked by devotion to his family, a distinguished engineering career, and a gift for connecting with others.

Howard met the love of his life, Linda Cultice, in St. Louis, Missouri. They married and shared 58 wonderful years together. He was fond of introducing Linda as his “first wife,” always quick to add that he chose well the first time—a reflection of both his humor and his deep affection for her.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda; his daughters, Natalie Ann Webb and Catherine Webb Lynch; his son-in-law, Owen Lynch; and his cherished granddaughters, Caelan Maureen Lynch and Olivia Kendall Lynch. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Blake and Anna Bortz Webb, and his brother, Michael Jerry Webb.

Howard earned his degree in electrical engineering from Texas A&M University, beginning a 36-year career with Westinghouse and later McGraw-Edison/Cooper Power Systems. His work took his family across the country—from Missouri to Kansas, back to Missouri, then to Ohio, again to Kansas, to New Orleans, and ultimately back to Texas in 1989. Along the way, he built not only a successful career but also lasting relationships. His technical expertise was matched—if not surpassed—by his natural ability to talk with anyone, anywhere. Even after retirement, former clients expressed how much they missed both his skill and his presence.

He took great pride in his daughters, both of whom followed him to Texas A&M for their studies. One of his favorite family stories was the moment of “betrayal” when his youngest daughter chose the University of Texas and LSU for undergrad but eventually secured a Masters from there, a decision he never let her forget, though always with a smile.

Howard loved fishing and made sure his daughters learned to bait their own hooks—often with live worms—instilling independence alongside patience. Above all, he loved his family. He spoke of them often, sharing stories with friends, colleagues, and even hospital staff in his final days, who came to feel they knew his loved ones before ever meeting them.

No formal service is planned.

The family invites you to honor Howard’s memory through a charitable donation to one of the following organizations:

• Restorative Farms, a nonprofit urban farm in South Dallas working to provide fresh produce in one of the nation’s largest food deserts:

https://restorativefarms.org/donate

• The 12th Man Foundation, supporting scholarships, faculty research, and student programs at Texas A&M University:

https://myaggieland.txamfoundation.com/tamf/give

Howard will be remembered for his warmth, his stories, his humor, and the deep love he had for his family. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the family he cherished.