James "Jim" Thomas Howard, 86, peacefully passed in his sleep on November 12, 2018 after a brutal battle with dementia.  His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and brought him great peace.

Jim was born to the late Clayton and Tina (Bowman) Howard in Burkburnett, TX on May 27, 1932.  He was immersed in the Christian community that would be his lifelong support from an early age.  He was a devoted disciple of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and showed Christ to others by "walking the walk" every day of his life.

Jim served his country in the US Navy during the Korean War on an escort ship in the Pacific.  He shared many stories with his family about his Navy days and was a proud papa when is granddaughter joined the Army.

Jim was blessed with a loving family. He married the love of his life, Mary "Jean" Grace, on July 7, 1956 in Fresno, CA. He met Jean when she was only 15 and knew on first sight he would someday marry her. Jim helped raise his three children with patience, discipline and love.  From the very beginning he dedicated his children to the Lord and encouraged them to explore the beauty of the Gospels.  He enjoyed many long discussions about theology and the application of bible principles in life with his youngest daughter.  Papa, as his grandchildren called him, also had the honor of baptizing all three of his granddaughters when they chose to follow Christ for themselves.

Jim was kind and soft-spoken and always had time to answer a question or solve a problem, no matter how small.  His greatest pleasure came from serving his family.  He is sorely missed by his loved ones who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his Savior and was told, "well done, my good and faithful servant."

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Clayton and Tina Howard, sister Zelda Simmons, son James "Paul" Howard and granddaughter Casie Howard.  Jim is survived by his adoring wife Jean Howard, his daughters Lori Gibson (Craig) and Rhonda Tripp (Brian), granddaughters Emily Olson (Matt) and Hannah Tripp, great-granddaughter Adaline Olson, sisters Eloise Stubblefield, Juanita Dean and Sherry Eversole (Stan), brothers Carlyle Howard (Evelyn) and Kenneth Howard and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be at 10am at Klein Funeral Home in Magnolia. Reverend Scott Powers will officiate the service.  Graveside service will follow at 12:45 at the Houston National Cemetery with full military honors.

The family appreciates the love and support shown to us during this sad time.