James Foster Howard

    James Foster Howard passed away peacefully at age 99 on May 27, 2025 after a brief illness. Born October 22, 1925 in Nash, TX to George and Minnie Howard, James left home to explore the U.S. by train at age 11, returning home to Texas after each trip, where he worked in a variety of jobs until apprenticing as an ironworker, a job that would take him and his family throughout the country for the next 40 years. James met and married his beloved wife Mildred “Dolly” Howard of Johnsville, AR in 1945 and they welcomed a daughter, Lynda Kaye and son, James Owen. 

    After decades as an ironworker on jobs in 15 states, James and his family settled in California. A long-time member of Ironworker’s Local 118, James was elected business agent in 1983, a position from which he retired in 1985. Never content to be idle, James then started a new career in long-haul truck driving, working until age 82. This extraordinary work ethic both provided for his family and offered an example of purpose and determination greatly admired by his family and friends, along with his neatly-pressed work clothes and unfailing Texan charm and affability. 

    Devoted and generous to his children, James treasured his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, showering them with affection (and candy). James cared most tenderly for Dolly when she was briefly ill prior to her death in 2016. James was preceded in death by his parents, his brother George and sister Ramona Meadors. He is survived by his daughter Lynda Aguilar (Ray), son James O. Howard, grandchildren Julie Aguilar Rogado (Geoffrey), Emily Howard and Max Howard, great-grandchildren Bradley Carlson, Anthony Rogado and Gillian Rogado, great-great-grandchildren Archie Carlson and Carson Houston, and several nieces and nephews. 

    His interment will be private.