James C. Howard, 87, of Coffeen, died at 10:28 a.m. Tuesday, May 21, at his daughter’s residence in Coffeen.
Burial will be held at a later date in Shiloh Cemetery in Coffeen. Toberman Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Mr. Howard was born on March 6, 1937, in Coffeen, to the late Berthol ‘Buck’ Howard and Iva M. (Snider) Howard. He graduated from Coffeen High school and attended SIU in Carbondale. He also served his country in the U.S. Army. Mr. Howard worked at Ozark Airlines and the C.I.P.S. Power Station in Coffeen, before retiring after 30 years. He married Mary Wilderman, and they later divorced. He married Rachel (Anderson) Herder on July 27, 1991, in Little Rock, AR, and she survives.
Mr. Howard was a member of the Mt. Moriah Lodge #51. He loved to fish and be outdoors, and spent 20 years traveling the country in an RV with his wife, Rachel. He was known as a great storyteller and he loved spending time with his family.
Mr. Howard is survived by his wife, Rachel, of Coffeen; children Patricia Howard of Coffeen, Sue (Brian) Gray of Coffeen, Allen (Cyndy) Howard of Coffeen, Jerry Howard of Missouri, Lisa (Joe) McClelland of Waggoner and Karl (Mary) Herder of Fairbury; grandchildren Jason (Aleah) Ginos, Nicole (Zach) Lipe, Alexandra Ginos, Shelby Gray, Dylan (Kelsey) Gray, Eric Howard, Jessica McClelland, Maggie McClelland, Michael (Laura) Herder and Amber Herder; great-grandchildren Landon Lipe, Sawyer Lipe, Jase Lipe, Tanner Ginos, Luke Ginos, Charli Ginos, Lakyn Gray, Layni Gray, Livvy Gray and Amari Thomas; brother Gerald L. Howard of Coffeen; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister Janet (Howard) Beard.
Condolences may be left online at tobermandeanfh.com
