James E. Howard

James Eben Howard, age 87, passed away peacefully at The Laurels of Defiance on May 17, 2025.
  
He was born on January 20, 1938 in Glouster, Ohio, the son of the late Donald A. and Dorothy (Gillespie) Howard. The family relocated to Defiance in 1951. James was a 1955 graduate of Defiance High School. He was proud to serve in the US Army from 1955-1957. In 1955 he enlisted in the Army and was stationed at Walter Reed Army Hospital, Washington D.C. in the Dental Lab. On August 1, 1956 James married his high school sweetheart Jean Ann Weible at the Walter Reed Chapel in Washington D.C. They later moved to Defiance where Jim joined the family painting business, Howard Painting Inc. working with his father and brother. In 1970 he started a new venture, longing to pursue his Army experience and opened Howard Dental Lab, where he created crown and bridgework for many Dentists in the area for 30 years
  
James was a faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church. He was also a member of Zenobia Shrine of Toledo and Tuendawie Lodge #195 where he was a 32nd degree Mason, Defiance Elks Lodge #147 and Defiance Eagles Aerie #372. He also enjoyed flying on trips with friends and family, and bowling.

In 2000 James and Jean moved to Bonita Springs, Florida, where they enjoyed many years of retirement. He proudly cherished time spent with his family and the wonderful friendships that he had over the years.
  
James is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Jean, his children; Patricia (Mark) Rettig of Streetsboro, OH, Donald (Ginette) Howard of Ridgefield, CT, Mary (Daniel) Ripke and James (Mary) Howard, all of Defiance;  and his sisters, Jane Zeller and Lea Ann (Jerry) Hayes. He also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. 
  
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Alfred Howard; grandsons, Jon Howard and Nathan Ripke, and father and mother-in-law, Nile and Lenore Weible.
  
A private funeral will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church in Defiance. James will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery, with graveside military honors conducted by VFW #3360. Schaffer Funeral Home was honored to assist the family with arrangements.
  
In lieu of flowers, preferred memorial contributions can be made to Operation K.A.V.I.C to assign local veterans, Heartland Hospice or Trinity United Methodist Church. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.

The family would like to thank The Laurels of Defiance for the years of care they have provided.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James E. Howard, please visit our floral store.