James Joseph Howard

JIM HOWARD

Carrollton - James J. Howard, 83, passed away peacefully at 10:05 a.m., Friday, January 16, 2026 at Anderson Hospital in Maryville with his family by his side, closing a life defined by devotion to family, quiet strength, and steady hard work.

Jim was born on January 7, 1943, in Carrollton, the son of Lloyd and Mildred Whitworth Howard Dunaven. He grew up in Walkerville and remained deeply rooted in Greene County for nearly his entire life, a  place he was proud to call home and where he built a legacy of love and dependability.

On November 1, 1963, Jim married Patricia M. Tuey in Brookport, Illinois. Together, they shared a marriage grounded in faith, family, and commitment, raising their daughters in the home Jim built on 6th Street in Carrollton. That home remained the heart of his life for decades, and he continued to live there until 2023. Following a stroke, Jim moved in with his daughter Michelle, who lovingly cared for him in his later years,  a reflection of the same care and devotion Jim had shown his family throughout his life. Patricia preceded him in death on May 4, 2014, a loss Jim carried with him always.

Jim was a 1960 graduate of North Greene High School. In 1966, he was drafted into the United States Army, answering his country’s call during the Vietnam War. He entered active service on November 1, 1966, and served honorably until his discharge on October 31, 1968. A Vietnam War veteran, Jim served with pride and humility, earning the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device. He was also awarded the Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle (M-14), an accomplishment that spoke to his discipline and focus, qualities that defined him both in uniform and at home.

Following his military service, Jim returned to Greene County and devoted himself to providing for his family. He worked for Owens-Illinois, Mobile, and Olin, retiring in 2002 after years of dependable service. Retirement didn’t slow him down for long, though. Jim later earned his Class A CDL and continued working with Illinois Valley Supply. 

Jim was a man who worked hard and loved deeply. He took great joy in spoiling his wife, daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and nothing mattered more to him than his family. He found peace and happiness in the simple things: hunting and fishing, tending to his yard and garden, woodworking, making leather goods, cooking on the barbecue grill, taking the boat out on a Sunday afternoon, or simply going for a drive. 

He is survived by his daughters and their spouses, Amber D. Lockard and her husband Cody of Virden, and Michelle L. Thompson and her husband Terrence of Edwardsville; his grandchildren, Taylor G. (Dakota) Schoondyke of Virden, Lillian M. Zimmerman of Jacksonville, and Tyrell D. Kelly of Edwardsville; two great-grandchildren, Holden Levi and Lincoln James; a sister and brother-in-law, Sara (Tom) Quade of Panama, Illinois; a sister-in-law, Beverly Howard of White Hall. 

In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Audrey Jean Martin and Patsy (Charlie) Brown; and his brother, Tom “Butch” Howard.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday. Burial will follow at Carrollton Cemetery with full military honors. 

In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association, in care of the funeral home. 

Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com

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