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, Abby Shore, Kelsey Johnson, and Blake Shore, Joey and Alex Morrison; Julia, Abbey, Madeline, and Victoria Scheafnocker; over 50 nieces, nephews, grand, and great grandchildren and their families along with many loving friends and co-workers.

Memorial arrangements and service details will be shared by the family when available.