of Little Rock, AR
September 30, 1929 - March 18, 2025
James E. Howard (Pete), our beloved Father passed away on March 18, at his home in Little Rock. He was born September 30, 1929 in Mill Creek, Arkansas. Survived by his wife Holly, four children Jamie, Dominique, Peter and Matthew, two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and brother, Eddie Ray Howard. The memorial will be held at the Little Rock National Cemetery on Roosevelt Road, Little Rock, Arkansas on Friday, March 28, 2025 at 11:30 am.
He is preceded in death by his mother Mildred Brown, father Everette (Bud) Howard, a stepmother Margaret Howard and five step siblings Billy Washum, Ollijean Dolan, Margie Henson, Everett Howard and Nancy Sleagle.
Pete was born in 1929 and raised in Mill Creek, a small farming community south of Fort Smith by his Grandparents Jim and Goldie Holland. He was born the year of the Great Depression and witnessed not only the harsh realities of that time but also the strength and love it took to survive those times. He was a wonderful story teller and has recounted many wonderful stories of these times in his memoir. He grew up on his grandfather's farm feeding the chickens, slopping the hogs while his Mama Goldie milked the cow. When he was not working, he was swimming in Mill creek with his buddies and catching the bus to Fort Smith to watch the dime matinees where he enjoyed watching Buck Rogers and all the westerns.
He was too young for WWII, but later was called up from the reserves and served in the Korean War. He married our Mother Holly (nee Branson) right before he left for Korea and when he returned he was met by Holly and a bouncing baby girl, Jamie. He took advantage of the GI bill and received a degree in art from U of A. He taught school at Van Buren High School and then at Westark College until his retirement. He is remembered by friends, colleagues and students as an amazing and decent human being and an inspiring teacher.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to AETN (Arkansas Educational Television Network)
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22 Condolence(s)
Topher Kent
Monday, March 31, 2025
My deepest condolences to Matt and all the family. Although I never personally knew your father, I know you and of him from your stories. May you find comfort and peace from all the wonderful time spent together. My sympathy and prayers are with you Kelly, Goldie and all your family.
Bernard Johnson
Sunday, March 30, 2025
He was one of a kind and one of the best. It was a privilege to have known him and to have been his student.
Cindy Ashley
Sunday, March 30, 2025
I am so very sorry to hear of Mr Howard's passing. He was my teacher for Intro to Art, at Westark. His classes were always interesting and I acquired a greater appreciation for art, which has continued to this day. He touched so many lives, and will be missed by many. Sending prayers for comfort, during this difficult time.
Ernest Cialone
Saturday, March 29, 2025
When I began my college studies at Westark Community College as a fresh high school graduate in the fall of 1976, the art classes of Pete Howard (and his younger colleague, Don Lee) opened up a new world for me. The experience was life-altering and set the course of a professional life in the visual arts for me. Pete shared a lot of himself with his students-his humor, his life experiences, his awe before master works of art, and his striving for excellence in the classroom and the studio. I can see him now, scrubbing the mesh of a silkscreen clean between two small rags soaked through with Varsol while clinching a lit cigarette between his ring finger and pinkie (in violation of multiple haz-mat guidelines of today) or learning how to work the college's newly acquired lithography stones. May you rest easy, Pete!
Joe Jackson
Saturday, March 29, 2025
Pete was a mentor, teacher, a gentleman, and a friend, my condolences to his family my thoughts are with them. Fifty two years ago or so, he told me art was problem solving a lesson I've used everyday since. Thanks Pete for the art history classes, sculpture class, print making, painting and most of all the conversations.
Elizabeth Sidler Balls
Saturday, March 29, 2025
Pete was one of a kind! He was kind, fun, committed, and knew how to not dampen the spirit of a non artistic person in a class for future teachers. He was also a wonderful person to work with at Westark and loved a good celebration, especially when there was food. He will missed but remembered for many years.
Mr. Rhee Reamy
Friday, March 28, 2025
Pete’s art classes and studio at WestArk, were my favorite times when I was there in 1970. He always had a smile and a kind word when we couldn’t make the right decisions on our art work, he pulled us through the tough times and good times, he was the first art instructor I ever had. He was always full of energy and vigor. God Bless to family and friends…
Genelle Newton
Friday, March 28, 2025
I first met Pete when I was a junior high student in Van Buren. Although not an art enthusiast at that point, I was impressed with the way he interacted with students and was always interesting and encouraging. Years later I became an employee of Fort Smith Junior College (now UA Fort Smith) and was thrilled to find a familiar face, Pete was there! He was not only talented with regard to art but equally so with people as well. I've often thought of him and his genuine interaction with others. His influence was great. He will most certainly be missed, but his influence will live own for many.
Phillip McLendon
Friday, March 28, 2025
Mr. Howard was a wonderful teacher and great person. He was my art teacher at Van Buren High School, one of the best teachers I ever had. I always remember his sense of humor and humanity. My deepest sympathies to his family.
Topher Kent
Friday, March 28, 2025
My deepest condolences to Matt and all the family. Although I never personally knew your father, I know you and of him from your stories. May you find comfort and peace from all the wonderful time spent together. My sympathy and prayers are with you Kelly, Goldie and all your family.
Mr. Rhee Reamy
Friday, March 28, 2025
Pete’s art classes and studio at WestArk, were my favorite times when I was there in 1970. He always had a smile and a kind word when we couldn’t make the right decisions on our art work, he pulled us through the tough times and good times, he was the first art instructor I ever had. He was always full of energy and vigor. God Bless to family and friends…
Don Lee
Friday, March 28, 2025
Of all the folks I've known and worked with, Pete Howard was a role model in so many ways. His wisdom, insight, stance, range, tolerance, appreciation, fraternity, and support was unmatched and meaningful. Condolences, and the best, to his family for their honor and practice of Pete's values. Salute.
Diane Harper
Friday, March 28, 2025
Dearest Dominique, Jamie, and the rest of the Howard family,
Condolences in your significant loss of “Dad” as I had come to know him through Dominique. I hope the memories of him and your life together give you comfort and stories in the days to come. I never knew he was “Irish.” IYKYK. Love to you and your momma too. They were both so fortunate to have you two and the rest of the family caring for them when they needed y’all.
Love,
Diane Harper
Brian Wiggins
Friday, March 28, 2025
I think of the experiences of being in your classes often. Rest easy Pete and love to your family.
Eric Glaser
Friday, March 28, 2025
I very sorry for your loss my friend. I enjoyed the stories you told me about him, and I believe you got the "artists" eye and creative heart from him! Love you very much!
Bryan Rupar
Thursday, March 27, 2025
I’m very sorry for your loss Matt. I’m grateful for the time you got to spend together with your dad, we will be praying for you and your family as you grieve.
Grant Meacham
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Sending all my love to Matt, Goldie, and the entire Howard family. I never got the opportunity to know Mr. Howard but have heard wonderful stories about a life well spent, lots of love, and many good times. My sympathies and prayers are with you all the during this time of loss.
Jane Pryorl
Thursday, March 27, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of Pete's passing. Many wonderful memories of Pete.
My condolences to you Holly and your family. Janie
Ginger Harden
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Pete, I’m try sorry for your loss. Mr. Howard sounds like a wonderful man. Peace and comfort to you and your family.
Kathleen Connor
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Sending all of my love I wish I could be there with you all.
Melinda Jones
Thursday, March 27, 2025
So sorry for the loss of your fine Father. I only know his son Pete. He will do the best job of carrying on in his stead. My condolences to your family.
Thomas E. Howard Jr.