Dr. James Franklin " Jim " Howard

— Dr. Jim Howard, to his son, circa 1988

Dr. James Franklin “Jim” Howard

April 29, 1938 – October 23, 2026

Geologist, educator, environmental scientist, world traveler, and lifelong student of the natural world.

Dr. James Franklin “Jim” Howard, 88, passed away on October 23, 2026, after a life defined by curiosity, discovery, and a passion for sharing his knowledge of the world with others. Whether exploring geological formations in the field, helping address environmental challenges, teaching university students, or introducing travelers to the wonders of distant destinations, Jim devoted much of his life to understanding the Earth and helping others appreciate it.

Born April 29, 1938, in Owensboro, Kentucky, Jim was the son of Frank Nicholas Howard and Mary Blanche Bell Howard. He graduated from Owensboro Catholic High School in 1956 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science from the University of Dayton in 1961, a Master of Science from the University of Houston in 1963, and a Doctor of Philosophy from Indiana University in 1966.

Jim served his country in the United States Army, attaining the rank of Specialist 5. In 1966, he was also commissioned an honorary Kentucky Colonel by Governor Edward T. Breathitt.

Throughout his distinguished professional career, Jim worked as a geologist, hydrogeologist, environmental consultant, researcher, and educator. His work encompassed groundwater investigations, geological surveys, environmental contamination assessments, and remediation projects. His fieldwork took him to locations including the Florida Keys, where he applied his scientific expertise to understanding the complex relationships between geology, water, and the environment.

Jim's commitment to education was equally wide-ranging. He served as a professor at Ohio University from 1966 to 1972 and taught subjects including geology, marine biology, and paleontology. His broad knowledge of the natural sciences and enthusiasm for sharing that knowledge would remain central to his life.

An active leader in the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG), Jim served multiple terms as president of its Kentucky Section. In 2006, he received the Kentucky Section's Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his professional contributions. In 2010, the national organization honored him with the John T. Galey, Sr., Memorial Public Service Award for his outstanding contributions to the public welfare and the ideals of professional geology.

His love of exploration and education eventually carried him around the world as a destination lecturer aboard numerous cruise ships. Drawing on his knowledge of geology, geography, ecology, history, and local cultures, Jim introduced travelers to the remarkable places they were visiting. His lectures connected the landscapes, natural history, and human stories of each destination, enriching the experience of travel with a deeper understanding of the world.

Even in his later years, Jim never stopped teaching. After he and his wife, Penny, moved to Cornerstone Retirement Community in Texarkana, Texas, in 2022, he continued developing and presenting educational lectures for his fellow residents. His presentations explored subjects ranging from the shifting continents and the formation of the Americas to earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, and the natural forces that have shaped human civilization.

For Jim, retirement did not mean retiring his curiosity. It simply meant finding another audience with whom to share it.

On February 6, 1960, Jim married Penelope Glenn Weller, beginning a partnership that spanned more than 66 years. Together, they built a life that included family, professional accomplishments, and decades of shared experiences.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of more than 66 years, Penelope “Penny” Howard; his four children, Steve Howard (Angie), Richard Howard (Megan), Susan Brannen (Jesse), and Beth McKay (Stan); his ten grandchildren, Sara Brown, Josh Brannen, Jesse Brannen III, Jennifer Jimenez, Maggie Sheehan, Clinton Roeth-McKay, Rowan Howard, Grayson Howard, Carter Howard, and Laynie Howard; and his five brothers, Harry Howard, Frank Howard, Jesse Howard, David Wood, and Bill Wood.

He also leaves behind seven great-grandchildren and a large extended family.

Jim's life was an extraordinary journey of exploration, service, and education. From the rocks beneath our feet to the continents and oceans of the wider world, he sought to understand the forces that shaped our planet—and spent a lifetime helping others discover its wonders. His legacy lives on not only in his professional accomplishments, but also in the knowledge he shared, the people he taught, and the family and friends whose lives he touched.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 pm Thursday, October 29th, 2026 at Williams Memorial United Methodist Church with a reception to follow immediately at Cornerstone Methodist Retirement Community auditorium.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Wood’s Edge Residents Association

Address:

Cornerstone Methodist Retirement Community

4100 Moore’s Lane, Texarkana, TX 75503

Online tributes may be sent to www.eastfuneralhome.com