James “Jim” Howard

James “Jim” Howard, 76, of Plainville, MA passed away on July 14, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family.  He was the husband of Brenda (Carr) Howard for 41 years, celebrating their most recent anniversary this 4th of July, and father of Meredith Howard of Fort Worth, TX.
Born on November 18, 1945 in Springfield, Missouri, he was the son of the late Merwyn and Mary Lillian (Schiermeyer) Howard.
Jim grew up on his family’s dairy farm in Mount Vernon, MO and graduated from the University of Missouri.  He then received a MA from the University of Missouri and later a PhD in Agricultural Education from Pennsylvania State University.
Jim was the vocational agriculture instructor at Mt. Vernon High School from 1968-1983.  He was an award-winning ag teacher and FFA advisor---receiving the distinguished service award from the Missouri Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association.  Jim was Master of Ceremonies for the annual Mount Vernon Apple Butter Makin’ Days for many years.  He was the owner of JLJ Western Wear store in Mt. Vernon..  At Christmas time, Jim took on the role of Santa Claus for numerous Lawrence County children.
Jim was a resident of North Attleboro and Plainville, Massachusetts for the past 30 years. When he moved to Massachusetts he taught computer software systems. Jim was an exceptional teacher and earned “Employee of the Year” at Kent Hospital in Rhode Island where he managed the IT Department.
He was a great cook and loved entertaining friends with BBQ dinners, always including his wonderful homemade hand-churned ice cream.  He genuinely loved people and was also known for his dry sense of humor and quick wit.
In addition to his wife and daughter, he is survived by his two sisters: Julia Helvey of Columbia, MO and Jean Berg of Mount Vernon, MO and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours were held in North Attleboro, MA at the Sperry & McHoul Funeral Home on July 17th, 2022.
A Celebration of Life service will be held in Mt. Vernon on Sunday, August 21, 2022 at 2:00 pm at the First Christian Church, 703 S. Hickory St., Mount Vernon, MO followed by burial at Ozark Prairie Cemetery in Mount Vernon.