James E. Howard

James Ervin Howard, 61, of Casa Grande died May 19, 2009 at Casa Grande Regional Medical Center.


The service will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Desert Sky Baptist Church.

Mr. Howard was born in Spencer, Iowa. He was a machinist and tool and die maker. He worked at Whitley Machine for 15 years with Cliff Whitley and Terri Chambers, who were like family to him.

He served in the Marine Corps and Naval Reserve and was a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician in Twentynine Palms, Calif. He loved bowling, hunting, fishing and camping. He was known for "enlightening any situation."

Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Myra J.; two sons, Ben Howard of Spokane, Wash., and Scotty Howard of Casa Grande; two daughters, Melissa Benitez of Arizona City and Aliesha Pote of Eloy; a sister, Francis O'Donald of Morristown, S.D.; and 12 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen H. Howard and Helen J. Johnson, and a brother, Stephen Howard.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel is in charge of arrangements.