James William Howard Sr., 73, of Belton, MO passed away on November 9, 2010 at his residence. He was born on September 20, 1937 in Dora, MO, the son of William Henry and Effie Jane (Evans) Howard.

James was a former resident of Dora, MO where he attended Dora High School. In 1955, James moved to Kansas City, MO. On February 16, 1957, he was united in marriage to Rosell Smith and to this union two children were born. James worked for Owens Illinois Forestry Products for 20 years before going to work for International Paper for the next 10 plus years where he retired as Maintenance Supervisor after training his son, Jim, who remains working for the same company today. James loved to hunt and fish and do anything outdoors. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles. James made several trips back to Ozark County to visit the family farm in Dora, MO. James was a very loving husband, father and grandfather and will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his wife Rosell of the home in Belton, MO; one son Jim Howard of Belton, MO; one daughter Dianne Armstrong of Belton, MO; six grandchildren Eric, Jeremy, Nicole, Matthew, Brandon and Kari; five great grandchildren; five sisters Eunice Trail, Velva Newberry, Dorcas Teer, Leona Cash and Ruth Russell; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters Joyce Collins and Edna Lattion; and one infant brother.

Funeral services for James will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 13, 2010 in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home Chapel, Gainesville, MO with Jeff Howard officiating. Burial will be in the Smith Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday evening from 5 – 7 p.m. at the funeral home.