Howard Jess Eugene Howard died peacefully Thursday, December 4, 2014. Jess was born on December 22, 1919, the beloved son of Celeana and Raymond Howard. Growing up in the depression taught Jess the value of hard work. Starting at a young age delivering newspapers, Jess always outworked everyone. He began working at the Buckeye Pump Co, followed by time at Curtis Wright, and simultaneously attending OSU and Franklin University learning electrical engineering. In 1945 what started as an individual job, became The Jess Howard Electric Company, now nearing its 70th year with 150 employees. Jess continued working at the company he loved up until his death at age 94. Jess is survived by his loving wife, Joan, whom he has been married to for 59 years after meeting her Christmas caroling. Jess is also survived by his children, Tim (Carolyn) Howard, Jill M. Howard, Jess Jr. (Carla) Howard and Jonathan (Jill) Howard; daughter-in-law, Phyllis Howard; 22 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren; brothers, Jerald "Bud" (Wilma) Howard, Dan (Barbara) Howard; sister, Mary Ann White; sisters-in-law, Carol Markle, Betty Howard, and Delores Howard. Jess was predeceased by children James Howard Jeffrey Howard and Jodi Howard, and siblings Raymond Howard Charlotte Howard Isabelle Howard John "Jack" Howard and William "Bill" Howard. Jess loved his wife, family, work, and life in general. His fascination tinkering with things, his work ethic, and his love of life led him to a life filled with memories, accomplishments, and love. He was past President of Associated Contractors of Central Ohio, past President of Associated Builders and Contractors Association, past National Executive Vice President Associated Builders and Contractors Association, past owner of ALNACO, past President of Whitehall Business Association, past President Jefferson Township Business Men's Association, and served on the Board of Directors at Ohio State Bank that became Star Bank. He was a member of the Builders Exchange of Central Ohio, Ohio Contractors Association, Buckeye Lake Property Owners Association, Catholic Order of Foresters, Columbus Athletic Club, Columbus Country Club, and Buckeye Lake Yacht Club. Jess was a professional pilot for over 45 years and was a member of the Private Pilots Association, Quiet Birdman Association Q.B.'s, and Illuminating Engineers Airport Lighting Group. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, December 10, 2014 at St Matthew Catholic Church, 807 Havens Corners Rd., Gahanna, OH. Calling hours will be at SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST CHAPEL, 1051 E Johnstown Rd. on Tuesday, December 9, 2014 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Interment Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Reverend Father Sill. Contributions in Jesse's name can be made to St. Matthew Catholic Church or for wounded veterans at www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share a memory of Jess.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Dec. 6 to Dec. 7, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Jess Howard

21 Entries

Doug Driggs

December 26, 2014

The Douglas Driggs family sends our thoughts and prayers to you Joan and family , what a great man. As as a child I used to love coming to your home . My Aunt Agnes Howard informed us of his passing yesterday. Allot of great memories are coming back to me, even though it has been so long ago, love, Doug

Bernie Schick

December 10, 2014

My sincerest sympathies on your loss. I was classmate of Jim's (St. Charles '58) and also knoew the Howard family from St. Leo's COF Court #1475.

Brenda Redman

December 10, 2014

To the Howard family , One can not ride around Jefferson Township with out thinking about what an great influence he has been .We send our condolences, our thoughts and prayers .Brenda Redman , Reed , and Herschel .

December 10, 2014

To the Howard Family;

Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with your family during this difficult time.

Tom Myers & Marilyn Adkins

Missy & Jim Stoody

December 9, 2014

To The Dear Howard Family: Jim & I were saddened to hear of Uncle Jess' passing. Uncle Jess loved Aunt Joan & his family very much. I have fond memories of him, especially during the holidays. He made Easter Bunny tracks in the snow, hid the Easter baskets in hard-to-find places & woke all of the cousins with jingle bells announcing Santa's arrival. He also tended bar at my wedding reception. The guests were entertained by his jokes, & boy, Uncle Jess could tell some jokes! He was always so personable & a great role model. We will miss him. Love

December 9, 2014

Our most sincere condolences upon the passing of Jess. He and his brother Bill were great assistance to us in the early days of our operation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Craig Fendrick
Mgr. Farm Science Review (Ret)

Bob Hartwell

December 9, 2014

Jess was a personal friend as well as a business associate. Jess was part of the greatest generation that ever lived and he exemplified that term in every aspect. A soft spoken, hard working & honest gentleman that honored deals with only a hand shake! He will be greatly missed!

judith beim

December 8, 2014

dear Joan and the rest of the Howard family. you all have met so much to our family and we have cherished that friendship. Jess will be sooo missed. he always gave the best hugs.

Judith Sue Beim

The Walt Family

December 8, 2014

Jess will be greatly missed by the entire Walt family. He was such an inspiration to so many. His quick wit and the love of a good joke will be remembered fondly. The compassion he showed others is legendary. It would be impossible to describe his business savvy and his love for his company. And also impossible to describe is how much he will be missed. Rest in peace dear Jess. You certainly deserve it.

Bob Stewart

December 8, 2014

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Jess. He was a great and dear friend to our entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Howard family.

Bob & Jeanne Stewart

December 8, 2014

Jess & Carla, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers now and for the time to come. Hoping many fond memories are with you to treasure and console you. God Bless You, Linda, Randetta, & Charlotte

December 8, 2014

Jess Howard was one of those people that it was an honor and privledge to have known. He always had a smile and a great story to share. He will be greatly missed not only by me but the entire Samuel Strapping Heath Team. Thanks for all you have done for us and I am sure you are in a better place. we will see you again some day. God Bless the entire Jess Howard family and thank you for sharing this great man with us.
Chuck Foster and the Samuel Heath Team

December 7, 2014

Joan, You are in my thoughts and prayers. Marty Shoemaker (Mrs. Don Shoemaker G.E.Supply)

Angel Bonfield

December 7, 2014

We are so sorry to hear of Jess's passing. I always enjoyed talking with him when I visited my dad at the shop and at the company picnics. He always took time to talk to me about how things were going and how Justin was doing. He will be sorely missed. Sending prayers and love to the entire family during this difficult time, especially to Ms Joan.
Love, Tom and Angel (Dube) Bonfield and Justin.

Mary & Brent Tebeau

December 7, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Howard family. Jess was a legend! He broke new ground by building a strong, merit-shop electrical company with a free enterprise philosophy. Jess did so much for the construction industry in Columbus. I loved the stories he shared over the years about his efforts to build the company. His spirit was wonderful and he never lost that fire!
Jon & Jill, I miss ya both!
Sincerely, Mary Tebeau

Brenda Stapleton

December 7, 2014

I am so sorry to have read about the passing of Jess. Want to let you know that my late Uncle Howard Melissa and his friend Johnny Wenger used to work for Jess's Electric Company back in the fifties to early 60's because that is when Howard moved for good to live in Florida along with his late wife Mary. I have no idea how many more years Johnny worked for Jess.

I bet all three have been reunited by now and having a lot to talk about.

Jess is in a better place now.

John & Judy Stingel

December 7, 2014

Jess and Carla,

You have our Sympathy and Prayers with the loss of your Dad. I am sure he will be missed by that knew him.

December 7, 2014

The Hoster tribe is deeply saddened by Jess' passing. As a former neighbor, fellow QB and aviator, I knew him well and enjoyed many hours of camaraderie with him when we were living in OH.

We send our deepest sympathies to Joan and the family.

Gus and Linda Hoster

Judi M Kane

December 6, 2014

Tim and Carolyn Howard,
He lived a good life and now may he rest in peace!

Keith Phillips family

December 6, 2014

Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Jess was a good man. Thank you for everything you have done for our family.

Gary and Deanna Andrasko

December 6, 2014

Grandpa Jess, you have blessed our lives for so many years. You will be deeply missed. Dad has been waiting for you in heaven and now you can be together forever.
All our Love.

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