James Ray Howard died, at age 82, from complications of Parkinson's disease, on Wednesday, October 12, 2016. He was born June 7, 1934 in Iowa to George and Bessie Howard.After his grade school years in Cedar Rapids the family moved to Normal, Illinois where he attended University High School and Illinois State University. He met his wife, Shirley, in the high school band and they were married for 62 years. They were in the motel business from 1955 to 1966 and then Jim began his career in the paint business. The family moved to Richardson in 1978 and he worked for True Value Hardware until his retirement, often traveling internationally.Music was an important part of his life, he played trumpet in the Dallas New Horizons band until he was no longer able. Automobiles were his second love, he traveled from Chicago to Santa Monica on Route 66 twice with groups from England. He and C.E. Butridge prepared their 1936 Buick and participated two years in the Great American Race from coast to coast.He is survived by his wife, Shirley; children, Dennis Howard (Kitt), Susan Schwaebler (Steve), Cindy Sheets (Billy), David Howard; 3 granddaughters, Brittany Leamy (Ryan), Jacelyn Rosebrock (Von), and Jillian Sheets.The memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on October 22, 2016 at Arapaho United Methodist Church.In lieu of flowers donations made to Parkinson Voice Project, 646 N. Coit #2250, Richardson, TX 75080 would be appreciated.Please leave condolences and share memories on this website.