James “Jim” Edward Howe
James “Jim” Edward Howe, born March 27, 1944, in Wellsville, NY, passed away on April 29, 2026. He was 82 years old.
Jim enjoyed a life filled with friends, family, and animals. He worked for more than 42 years with NASA — including Hamilton-Standard and United Space Alliance — and contributed to the Apollo missions. His family fondly jokes that Jim was the reason duct tape was used during those early years of NASA missions. Jim treasured time with friends and colleagues, including longtime friend Bob McDonald, whether hunting elk on horseback or riding the so‑called “Vomit Comet” over 20 times, which he happily claimed never made him sick. A passionate sports fan, he lived for watching the Astros and Texans, however, lately one could just as easily catch him BBQing in the garage while listening to the local Gator’s football games.Those who knew him well will remember him as a prankster but dependable, good‑natured companion who was always willing to help or ride along as a loyal sidekick.
Jim was preceded in death by his fellow prankster and Indian Outlaw BBQ cooking teammate, Paul Stuckey; his parents, Ralph Bassett and Freda Mae Howe; his brother, Ralph Eugene Howe; his sisters, Barbara Jean Wilson and Phyllis Edick and his wife, Betty Howe.
He is survived by his children Tina Shore, Tim Howe, Toni (Jim) Morrison, and Traci (Darrin) Scheafnocker; his stepchildren Kelly (John) Wullschleger and Todd (Shellie) Fulks; grandchildren Tuesday Gross, Dudley and Justin Crittenden, Abbey Shore, Kelsey Johnson, and Blake Shore, Joey and Alex Morrison; Julia, Abbey, Madeline, and Victoria Scheafnocker; step-grandchildren Bria Wullschleger, Robert and Trevor Fulks; as well as over 50 nieces, nephews, grand, and great grandchildren and their families along with many loving friends and co-workers.
Celebration of Life Ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 30 from 4-10pm. Please RSVP to Jameshowecelebrationoflife@gmail.com if you would like to attend.
JIm always had a smile for everyone, an infectious laugh and great sense of humor. I remember our families taking a trip to Powder Horn Colorado when we were young. we had so much fun, Dad wanted to stop at the royal gorge, I don’t think Jim did so he kept driving and pointed out he window to let us know…. YEP there it is! he and Dad shared so many great times, memories and jokes. I’m know our mom has a big hug for him in heaven. thank you Jim for the amazing memories,
An associate for so many years, but much, much more, he was a true friend. We worked together in the NASA manned spaceflight program on EMU’S and associated hardware at Hamilton Std, up through Boeing and ending with USA. 40 years of working together, BBQ’s, shrimp boils and fishing trips, we shared so many memories. It was so great to see him at our recent Flight Crew Equipment reunion in April. We had a great talk and shared many stories with colleagues. Little did I know that talk would have to last us for awhile. My deepest sympathy to his family. Jim will be surely missed, but not forgotten. Someone once said, that our names may be forgotten in time, but our memories live on through the stories we share. God speed Jim.