Jimmy Howard

Jimmy L. Howard, 64, of Lorena, Texas, came into the presence of the Lord November 18,2013 with his family by his side. A memorial service with military honors will be II :30 am Wednesday, November 20,2013 at at Grace Gardens Funeral Home, with Pastor Marvin Donnell of Faith Temple Baptist Church of Lorena officiating. A time for visitation with Jimmy's family will follow the service.

Jim was born January 18, 1949 in Albemarle North Carolina to Joisy (Honeycutt) Howard and Johnie E. Howard. His father was career military and he resided in many places around the world such as Austria, Camp Irving California, Germany and Fort Lewis Washington. He joined the Army when he was 17 and served in Vietnam from February, 1967 to March, 1968. He earned several medals, including National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge and an Army Commendation Medal. He was a marksman in both rifle and pistols. After his oversees service, he was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, and was honorably discharged in May of 1970.

While at Fort Hood, Jim met and married Linda Wright. They lived briefly in Aquadale North Carolina before moving back to Waco where Jim worked at Wales Industrial Service as an Iron worker and Millwright until 1978. He became a truck driver and worked for several agencies including Central Freight, Willis Shaw, and Sherwin Williams. He retired in 2008.

In his retirement he enjoyed living in the country, cooking and grilling for his family and working outdoors around the house. He loved when all his family was together, whether in North Carolina, South Dakota, or in Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father and mother in-law David and Pat Wright.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Linda, son David Howard and wife Andrea of Lorena; daughter Tracie and husband Jeff Brockman, of Austin; 2 grandsons Landon and Payton Howard, of Lorena; brothers J.R. Howard and wife Sandy, of South Dakota; Joel Howard and wife Judy, of North Carolina, Aunts Flora "Coot' Whitley and Betty Eugene Adkins, numerous nieces, a nephew, and their families. Extended family members include David and Paula Wright, of McGregor; Judy and Ron Shipp, of Decatur; and Dorlene Jones, Donna Wegworth, Cathy Taylor and Brenda Jones; and friends Barry Eyers and Richard Wallace.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Sam Ralston and staff; Drs. Carl Chakmakjian and Nathan Hilton and staff; Dr. Bradford Holland and staff; numerous staff and doctors at Providence Health Center and Providence Hospice; also a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Scott Warren and staff of Heart of the Brazos Oral Surgery and staff for their compassionate care and expertise.

He faced many obstacles in his life, but overcame them with his seemingly endless strength, determination and love.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faith Temple Baptist Church, 1197 Old Lorena Road, Lorena Texas 76655, or Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 96764, Washington D.C 20090-6764

"John 5 :24, " Truly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes Him, who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life".