James Grady Howard

James Grady Howard “Jimmy”, age 86, passed away on May 18, 2020 in Ocala, FL.

He was born to parents, Ralph and Ophelia Howard, on March 15, 1934, in Miami, FL. James married Betty Sue Dixon in 1952 and was drafted by the Air Force that same year.

James was a proud member of the Linemen's Local Union 222 and a Licensed Aircraft Mechanic. He retired from Robstone Electrical Contractors in Miami as an Estimator.

At age 50 he earned his first set of Wings with a pilot's license and the purchase of his first airplane. He enjoyed listening to country music, playing the guitar, and watching NASCAR races. Every year James planted a vegetable and flower garden. He also liked to fresh water fish especially in Okeechobee, FL. James loved to tinker in his garage. If it was broke, he could fix it or build you a new one.

James and Betty Sue moved to Dublin, GA from Miami, FL in 1995 and remained there until her passing in 2015. That same year he moved to Ocala, FL and in March of2019 married Janet Sheldon.

James was predeceased by his parents, along with six brothers, one sister, and Betty Sue, his beloved wife of 63 years and 6 days.

James is survived by wife, Janet; one brother, Charles Howard; two daughters, Brenda Auer (Frank) and Bonnie Howard; three grandsons, Matthew (Heather) Travis (Naomi) and Joshua (Megan) and five great grandchildren, Paige, Tyler, Matthew Jr., Brody and Liam. James was also a father figure to his nieces and nephews David, Carol, Marsha, Richard and Gloria.

James will be buried next to his late wife on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at 3:00pm in the Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery in Cochran, GA.

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