James Ross Barnes Howard II

ames "Jim" Ross Barnes Howard, II

February 10, 1940 - September 16, 2026

James "Jim" Ross Barnes Howard, II passed away on September 16, 2026, at the age of 86. Known to many as "Mr. Blue Eyes" for the striking blue eyes that always seemed to be smiling, Jim was a proud veteran, devoted father, doting Grandpa and Opa, and a man whose curiosity about the world never dimmed. He was born on February 10, 1940, in Uniontown, Pennsylvania.

Jim served in the United States Air Force, stationed at Chanute Air Force Base with the 2865th GEEIA Squadron, installing and maintaining ground electronics systems. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal for the entirety of his service, before beginning a civilian career dedicated to the country's defense. At RCA, he helped develop electrical systems for Apollo 11 and spent nine months on radar assignment in Greenland. He went on to work at Eaton and SESI, spending 25 years supporting the European theater, 11 years supporting the Indo-Pacific theater, and 24 years stateside, and taught data processing at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University along the way, before retiring from General Dynamics and spending four more years as an independent ITSM consultant and trainer.

Jim's love of flight showed itself early, and one of his grade school report cards even noted that he spent too much time looking out the window watching planes instead of paying attention in class. That love never left him. He went on to earn his private pilot's license and become a flight instructor, and even in his later years, evenings often found him at his flight simulator, piloting himself somewhere far from home.

Jim met the world with warmth, wit, and an almost constant pun at the ready. He was a passionate Pittsburgh Steelers fan who believed, every single season, that this was finally the year for their seventh Super Bowl win. He loved a good party, rarely turned down the chance to sing Elvis at karaoke, and could make a room feel lighter just by walking into it. He was a natural storyteller of his travels, his childhood mischief, and the countless characters he met along the way. He was just as natural a listener, mentoring many throughout his career as a respected leader.

Jim was an avid reader, especially of WWII history and every Clive Cussler novel he could get his hands on. He was also a skilled amateur photographer and a meticulous traveler, planning each trip to balance must-see landmarks with the hidden, off-the-beaten-path moments only he seemed to find, and capturing it all with his camera along the way. At home, he built an elaborate European-style scene for his model train set, and he built every home computer he owned dating back to 1975. He appreciated the finer things, a quality cognac, brandy, wine, or champagne, and a good German beer, a taste he refined at more than one Munich Oktoberfest.

Jim was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Julia Howard. He is survived by his daughter, Holly Steinhoff (Troy); his sister, Brooke Bailey; his granddaughter, Tiffany Lawson (CJ); his grandson, Kawika Terry (Michael); his great-grandchildren, Bryson and Emmalynn Lawson; his niece and nephew, Heather Floyd and Mitch Bailey; his nephew and niece, Brian Howard and Jenny Norwood; and other beloved family and friends whose lives he touched.

Military honors and a celebration of life will be held at 5021 Pleasantry Way (Club House at Courtyards at Camden), Acworth, GA, on Friday, November 6, 2026. Time to be announced. If you're able to be there to celebrate his life with us, please reach out to Holly at holly.steinhoff@gmail.com so we can plan accordingly.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association in James's memory.

The best of Jim will live on as his legacy in the family he leaves behind, a man who lived with curiosity, humor, and heart, and who saw the best in everyone he met. He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.