James Howard

James Allan Howard was born on December 23, 1954, in Wichita, Kansas. He passed away on January 18, 2026, at the age of 71 at his home in Galveston, Texas.

He is preceded in death by his parents Mary Evelyn Howard and Retired LTC William Harrison Howard.

His legacy will live on through his beloved wife, Cay Herrington Howard of Galveston, TX and daughter, Jami DeChel Vest, Granddaughter Megan Leigh White, Grandson Travis James White and twin Great-Grandsons Levi James White and Easton Reed White of Montgomery, Texas. He is survived by his stepson, Elijah Howard of Poinciana, Florida and will be reunited with his stepson(s) Christopher Howard and Matthew "Bubba" Howard.

He grew up with loving siblings, Loretta Littlehale of Tavares, Florida, Deborah Ann "Annie" Howard of Whitney, Texas, John Francis Howard (and wife Julie) of Poinciana, Florida and will be reunited with his brother William "Bill" Harrison Howard.

James is also survived by his step-grandchildren Jesse Howard of Galveston, Cheyenne Howard of Ft. Worth and Hailey Howard of Whitney, Texas.

James leaves behind, as well, numerous nieces and nephews and their extended families.

To his beloved wife, Cay Howard, he was devoted beyond measure. She was his princess and never grew tired of telling anyone who would listen how much he loved his Wifey. Their bond was one of affection, admiration and deep companionship. They are truly soulmates.

James, better known as Duck, Papa Duck or Captain Quack, knew the value of spending as much time as possible with his family and friends. He loved his family and friends, and nothing brought him more delight than to be surrounded by them, cooking for them and entertaining them with his stories, jokes and shenanigans. He was the one that anyone could call to lend a helping hand. He never met a stranger. To say he was full of personality would be an understatement. Making people laugh and smile was his gift.

Duck spent his life always on or near the water. He loved taking cruises with his wife and friends. As his daughter, Jami, would say, you never got on one of Dad's boats without a full set of tools and prepared to fix it, swim it back to shore, flip it back over, or whatever memorial events were in store. He was especially proud that he was able to be a part of taking his twin great-grandsons, Levi and Easton, on their first boat ride. Those boys were the highlight of his days lately. He spoke of them often with unmistakable pride and was delighted in every milestone they achieved.

James was a man who was always working on a project as his hands, heart and mind did not know how to be still. From woodworking and painting to tinkering with boats, his most recent labor of love was his 1966 El Camino, which he still found strength to paint restore just two days before his passing. It was a last reflection of who he was: passionate, determined, stubborn and fully engaged in life to the very end.

Music was what flowed through his blood. He loved to strum his guitar. James and Cay shared a love of good tunes and attended as many concerts as they could fit in their schedule, with his last show attended was the Rolling Stones at the ripe age of 69. Rock in Heaven Duck.

He leaves behind a family who adored him, friends who will miss his laughter and spirit, and countless memories that will be cherished forever.

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