James D. Howard

James Douglas Howard, age 70 of Alton, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 24th , 2022. James was born December 8, 1951 in Stuggart, Arkansas to James Howard and Stella Mae Nelson. He was brought up as a young boy in First Missionary Baptist Church. James enlisted in the U.S. Army as a teenager and was deployed to South Korea. He joined the Army reserves after he completed his active service duty. During his military service, James earned several service awards, including the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and earned bars for Grenades, M-16 Rifle Expertise, and Defense Service. In his later years, James experienced diminished eyesight and became active in many organizations and efforts for the benefit of the blind. He eventually became president of the Madison County Association of the Blind. He discovered he had a fondness for art, and joined the Vision for Vets organization where he loved to paint (oil on canvas), and create clay pottery. He was also a member of the VA Blind Vet’s Association. In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by two sisters, Theresa Nelson and Lora Lee Shaber. James leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of 23 years, Teresa Roland-Howard of Alton; three children, Donald Steward of Alton, IL. Angie Steward of Springfield, IL., and Keena Steward of Alton, IL. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren: Donovan Steward, Caylin Ceasar, Evangeline Greer, all of Springfield, IL., TaRon Steward, Camren Wheeler, Michael Root, and Amar’e Steward, all of Alton, IL. He also leaves behind a dear sister, Patricia Gable, and her husband Tony, of Pine Bluff, AR. He also had four step-children who truly loved him, Therasia Roland of Boston, MA., John Roland of Murrieta, CA., Benjamin Roland and his wife Cassandra, and Elnora Martinez and her husband Michael, all of Alton, Il.; and nine step-grandchildren. James had a way with connecting with everyone he met. He was insightful and could always offer a word of kindness grounded in his faith in God, and the goodness within us all. We will always love him and miss him dearly. No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human mind has conceived the good things God has prepared for those who love and trust Him Corithians 2:9 Inurnment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery with Full Military Honors.

James D. Howard

December 8, 1951 - September 24, 2022