James Claude Howard, 79, of Whitesville, passed away on Friday, December 12, 2025 at his home. He was born January 29, 1946 in Daviess County to the late Charles Patrick Howard and Mary Emily Ward Howard. James had worked as a supervisor for Alcoa and was a member of St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church. He was a hard worker and raised horses for many years.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Lorie Ann Howard; brothers, David, Joseph, Charles, James Donald, Floyd, Dayne, Bill, Ray, and Stanley Gerard; and a sister, Margie.
He is survived by two sons, Byron “Keith” Howard (Lori) and James D. “Donnie” Howard (Susan); and siblings, Dorothy Howard and Patricia Jones.
Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. Mary of the Woods Cemetery. Visitation is from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday with prayers at 6:00 p.m. at Cecil Funeral Home. Visitation will also be after 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Hospice of Ohio County, 1211 Old Main Street, Hartford, KY 42347.
Online messages of condolence may be made at www.cecilfuneralhome.com.