Jack (Jay) Howard, Jr. Obituary

Beneath the vast Texan sky, where the stars seem to whisper tales of the old and new, we find ourselves recounting the life of Jack Raymond Howard J r - Jay to those whose lives he touched with the warmth of this presence. On the 24th of October 2024, Jay embarked on his final adventure, leaving behind the earthly bounds of Athens Texas, at the seasoned age of 71.

Born as spring breathed new life into the world on March 11, 1953, in the coastal town of Freeport, Jay's spirit was a mirror to the restless waves - full of vigor, boundless and free. His youth in Oak Cliff was spent under the protective gaze of Clara Oliver Elementary, Atwell Jr High and Justin F Kimball High School, which shaped the first verses of his life's poem.

The call of academia beckoned, and so he ventured to the halls of the University of North Texas in Denton, where knowledge and dreams intertwined. Jay's professional odyssey was a tapestry woven with 28 years of dedication with final position as the Branch Area Operations Manager of North Texas at the esteemed Ford Motor Credit Company. There, he was a maestro of his craft, earning accolades that shone as brightly as his smile, until the sire song of early retirement beckoned in 2002. A new chapter unfolded as he lent his expertise to the Environmental Division of Professional Insurance Resources with his wife, serving as VP until the year 2014.

A pilgrim of faith, Jay found solace and strength within the sanctuaries of The Met in Keller, Grace Church in Pagosa Springs CO and the Cowboy Church of Athens. His soul resonated with the hymns of the divine, a quiet strength that carried him through life's tumultuous storms.

The symphony of Jay's passions played to the tune of nature's grandeur - golf courses, hiking along with cheering the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers his champions in the coliseum of sports. The mountains majesty and the oceans mystery were the muses of his adventurous heart.

Jay leaves behind his legacy of love with his dear wife, Pamela Howard; Son, Jason R Howard; Sisters Janice Howard Barr and Joyce Baker Odell; Grandson, Jaxon R Howard; Uncle, Gary Howard; Nieces, Shannan Grimes, Aimee Odell Hardesty and Emily Odell plus great nieces and nephew, Nathan Hardesty, Abbey Hardesty, Hailee Grimes. Preceded in death: Mother, Beryl Ann Baker and Stepfather Cecil 'Bubba' Baker; Father, Jack Raymond Howard Sr; Half brothers, Rusty, Dusty and Stanley Howard along with Grandparents, Emma Munga' Willingham, Burl M Willingham, Joe Howard, Gracie Howard.

Services to be held at Restland Funeral Home, 13005 Greenville Ave, Dallas Texas in Wildwood Chapel on October 31, 2014 on Thursday at 2 pm. There will be no interment following service. There will be a time to visit and have a meal after in the event center.

If you wish in lieu of flowers donate to Alzheimer's Association/Research, Tunnels to Towers or Multiple Sclerosis.