James Clifton Howerton Sr.

James Clifton Howerton James Clifton Howerton was born on June 20 , 1927 in Osceola , Arkansas to Hugh Clifton and Mavis Claire Howerton . He along with his brothers and sisters grew up amongst the cotton fields and corn fields of Arkansas during The Great Depression . James and his siblings survived many hard times with much joking and a larger than life sense of humor . All who knew him remember his special way of telling a story with country grit and a lot of laughter . He joined the Navy at the age of 17 and served in the Pacific on the minesweeper USS Redstart . He married his first love, his one and only true love Joyce Reile in 1947 . They were married for 62 years until her death in 2010 . They had 5 children . He was a family man who worked for Southwestern Bell for 40 years . He was known by his co-workers as Lightnin Jim . To those who loved him the most , he was fondly known as Daddy , Dad . Pops , and Grandpa . Fishing was his favorite hobby . He spent decades fishing the waters of Corpus , Port Aransas and Rockport . He passed his love of fishing to his sons and grandsons . Jim and his wife Joyce spent many happy years in Rockport at Palm Harbor enjoying their retirement . He was handsome and loving and he had a heart of gold . He passed away on July 26 , 2025 at the age of 98 in San Antonio ,Tx. his home of 78 years . He was proceeded in death by his wife Joyce , his daughter Claire and his granddaughter Song . He leaves to cherish his memory , his children and grandchildren , Jimmy and wife Mary , children Jenifer , Aubrey and Allison . Greg and his wife Pam , and their daughter Kimberly . Suzanne and husband Randy , and their children Carly and Reid . Marty and wife Kim , children Mason , Chase and Sarah . Claire's children , Jason , Melody and Robin . (23) Great Grandchildren and a legion of Great Great grandkids and more to come . Also countless loving nieces and nephews . And one brother Roy Howerton , survives . Many things may fade away , but our love for James , Jim , Jimmy and J.C. will last forever . To all who received Him , To those who believed in His name , He gave the right to become children of God . John 1:12