James Gerard Thomas Howard

1975 - 2022

James Gerard Thomas Howard
June 18, 1975 - September 18, 2022
Merced, California -
James Gerard Thomas Howard, born June 18,1975, loving father to Lillian, son of the late Ann Howard and Roland Howard, 8th of 9 siblings, died September 18, 2022.
James was a creative and precocious child; he had a passion for building and drawing. While attending Merced High School, he taught himself Japanese and started the Japanese Club. He worked for Maxwell Construction and helped design houses in which he took great pride. He earned a degree in Civil Engineering from UC Berkeley. During summer breaks he worked for James Leary Architecture and Planning in San Diego.
As a self-taught computer enthusiast, he volunteered his time with the Alameda Computer Recycling Center and Partimus Organization and later earned his Red Hat Certification.
James was an avid SF Giants fan dating back to the Candlestick era. He also loved travel, museums, and the symphony. In 2010, he married Shelly Leung and in 2011 they welcomed Lillian May, who he affectionally referred to as "Bun". He loved her with every fiber of his being.
James is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dr. Timothy Howard. He is survived by his daughter, seven siblings, 13 nieces and nephews, and five great nieces and nephews.
The family is planning a celebration of his life in the future, possibly at a Giants game in the spring.
In memory of James and in lieu of flowers, please donate to a cause that supports mental health or survivors of childhood sexual abuse.