James Clyde Howard

James Clyde Howard West Union, South Carolina James Clyde Howard, Jr., “Jim”, formerly of Garner, NC, died peacefully in his sleep with his only son, Marc W. Howard by his side on Sunday morning about 10:00 am on February 26, 2023 at his home in West Union, SC. He lived to be 91 and was blessed to be happily married to his wife, Josephine, also 91, who pre-deceased him 46 days earlier. They were happily married for more than 69 years. Mr. Howard was born on November 03, 1931 in Easley, SC to James C. Howard, Sr and Pauline Turner Howard. The family moved to Glassy Mountain in Pickens, SC in 1939. He attended Glassy Mountain School and graduated High School in 1950. He had applied and was accepted to North Carolina State College and received his letter of admission one day after he enlisted in the Air Force. In the Air Force he rose to the rank of Airman First Class at McDill Air Force Base. He was attached to the 306th aircraft and electronics maintenance squad for the 306th bomber wing. During this time he also worked on photography equipment for the war effort in Korea. He met his devoted wife, Josephine Mickiewicz, in 1951 at the home of his grandmother who happened to live next door to her sister. They married on the 16th of September, 1953 in a small impromptu service held in the Pastor’s home in Pickens County, SC. After their marriage, they moved to Alexandria, Virginia where they welcomed their only son, Marc, in 1956. In 1957, the Howards moved to Burlington, NC. He was an active volunteer in the community, serving as President of the PTA, Cub Master and later as a Scout Leader. He worked at AT&T Bell Labs on Nike surface to air defense missiles. Later he was transferred to Holmdel, NJ where he worked on undersea telephone cables. For over 50 years Jim was active in amateur radio, winning recognition for help to rescue trapped motorists in a tree where a flash flood occurred. After retiring in 1991, the Howards moved to Garner, NC where they lived until October, 2022. During his retirement years, Jim spent much time on gardening, wood working and raising bees. In fact, he became the president of the local beekeeper chapter and was called upon for help by law enforcement agencies when a highway accident or other situation arose which required his help to round up the bees. He would also demonstrate beekeeping to local elementary schools and teach techniques at local community colleges. His honey was prized by many! He loved being a grandfather, but especially loved being a great grandfather! Jim is survived by his son Marc and his wife, Michelle Howard of West Union, SC; his two grandsons, Leo Harrison Howard of West Union, SC and Curtiss James Howard, his wife, Jennifer Howard and his great-grandchildren, Jacob and Cassidy Howard of Pittsboro, NC. Also surviving him are his brothers, Ronald E. Howard and his wife Judy, Rev. Tommy Howard and his wife Ann, his sisters, Judy Byers of Pickens, SC, Jackie Hughes of Simpsonville, SC, and his sister-in-law Martha Howard of Pickens, SC along with numerous nephews, nieces and their spouses. Jim was predeceased by his loving parents, James C. Howard, Sr. and Pauline Turner Howard, and a brother, Robert Kirby Howard. Services will be held on Saturday, March 04th at Mountain View Funeral Home, 105 Florence Street Pickens, SC. The family will receive friends from 1-2pm at Mountain View Funeral Home. His funeral will begin at 2pm with burial immediately following at Hillcrest Memorial Park. A reception will follow at Fellowship Hall, Crescent Hill Baptist Church, 115 Crescent Hill Drive, Pickens, SC at 4:00pm. Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Howard family.

James Clyde Howard

November 3, 1931 - February 26, 2023