James Howley

HOWLEY, James 91, passed away peacefully on Feb. 12, 2012, after suffering a brief illness. Jim was the devoted husband of Donna and father to the joy of his life, his daughter Georgine Howley Hertzwig. Born in Jersey City, NJ on March 20, 1920. Jim graduated from St. Peters Preparatory School in Jersey City at 16 years of age. He continued on to the Hotchkiss School for 2 years, where he excelled in his studies and led the football team as "Big Jim." Jim then followed his older brother John to Princeton University and graduated in the Class of 1942. During his college years, Jim worked for Pan American Airlines in Brazil, opening facilities for the refueling of war planes going to the European Theatre. Following his graduation from Princeton, he served in the Office of Strategic Services (now known as the Central Intelligence Agency). Jim's first wife was the renowned clothing designer Tina Leser; daughter of the late Georgine Shillard Smith (founder of the Florida Gulf Coast Art Center) of Belleair. Jim handled the manufacturing end of the business for Tina. Jim was also the husband of the late Virginia Curtis Fenn of Belleair. Jim is survived by his wife Donna; his daughter Georgine and her husband Eric; his stepchildren John Prom, Ardelle Darling, Penny Snow; his beloved grandchildren Tyler and Connor Hertzwig, Dewar and Maclain Prom, John Christopher Prom, Lee Kauper, Robert Darling Jr., Terry Darling, Ginny Rowland, Dorie Morgantini, Reese Harris and Christine Fenn Rosenberg. A Memorial Service will be held to celebrate Jim's life on March 10, 2012, at St. Cecilia's Church in Clearwater at 11 am. Donations may be made to a charity of your choice.