James E. Howard Sr., 98, of Springfield, Ohio passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. He was born April 10, 1927 in Springfield, Ohio the son of George and Sallie (Bushton) Howard. He was a life-long resident of Springfield where he attended school and retired from the Eubank Tire Company. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and was honorably discharged.

James was a spirited, lighthearted man who loved life and lived it to the fullest. He was a hard worker, sometimes working two to three jobs at a time. He was kind and caring, always looking out for others. He loved his family dearly. He also had a love for music, dancing, and playing card games, especially 500 Rummy. His greatest love of all was for skating! He was the king of the rink and skated most of his life on into his 80’s or older. For many years he would take a carload of lively skaters to the roller rink in Urbana, Ohio for Sunday night skate. It was first call, first served when it came to getting a ride with him. He was also a member of a local skating club for a number of years.

He was a great cook and baker and loved to feed people. He would always say, “When you cook your meals be sure to cook extra because you never know if some else might come by and want to eat.” He was loved and respected by all who knew him. A great pillar of our community has gone on, but will forever live in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

He was married to the late Winlon Jones and later to Angie Newby (deceased). He is survived by his children, Sharon Howard Lockhart of Springfield, Ohio, James E. Howard, Jr., Patricia Howard Smith, of Columbus, Ohio, Lillian Diane Howard Johnson of Durham, North Carolina, Robin Newby Mickens of Columbus, Ohio, Leonard (Melinda) Newby of Florida and Cynthia Howard (Christopher) Moore of Cleveland, Ohio, 16 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, several great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, 10 siblings, son, Michael Howard, and son-in-law, Raymond Mickens.

Visitation is Friday, December 12, 2025 from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 12 noon in Restored Life Ministries.  Burial will follow in Rose Hill Burial Park.