James Howard Obituary
On Thursday, September 4, 2025 Heaven gained a beautiful soul free from pain. James Howard age 75 went to be with his Lord and Savior at Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital in Malvern, AR. After fighting a courage battle of cancer.
James was preceded in death by his parents: Hilluard “Red” Howard and Lillie Gertrude Howard. An infant daughter, Sharon Michelle Howard and brothers Charles, Tommy, Clarence, Theo, Jerry, John, & Terry “Taco” Howard.
James is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Kay Mahan Howard, one daughter Crystal (Jimmy) Owens of Bearden, AR.one son Trent (Samantha) Howard of Holly Springs, AR, 2 granddaughters that were the apple of his eye, Abbie (Rylee) Rauls of Bearden, AR and Regan Owens of Bearden, AR. 1 grandson that was his little buddy Elijah James Howard of Holly Springs, AR and 1 great granddaughter his little princess Haylee Rauls of Bearden, AR He is also survived by a bonus son Lynn (Bonnie) Sorrells of Holly Springs and a bonus granddaughter Elizabeth Sorrells of Holly Springs. 3 sisters Barbara Bledsoe of El Dorado, AR, Lori (Rickey)Scroggins of Cleveland, AR and Ranea (James) Deer of Rayville, LA. 2 brother-in-laws that were more like brothers, Jimmy (Marsha) Mahan and Hank (Peggy) Mahan of Holly Springs.
James was a faithful member of Holly Springs Baptist Church were where he served as deacon and Sunday School Superintendent. James was Christian, a servant of God, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He was always ready and willing to help anyone he could.
We have so many to thank for going through this battle with us. Those that are closer than friends and more like family, Richard & Claudine Baker, Danny & Reggie Ross, Ronnie & Mary Hogg, our church family, Gentiva Hospice and so many more. It takes a village and we are so thankful for our wonderful village.
Visitation will be Sunday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday at Benton Funeral Home with Rev. Wayne Daniell and Rev. Tony Williams officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery near Sparkman. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
501 West 4th Street, Fordyce, AR 71742
People and places connected with James
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for James Howard
Tell your own story about James
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
How you can show support
Make a Donation
in James Howard's name
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Howard's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
