Jerry "JJ" Howard

Jerry J. Howard was called home to be one of God's amazing angels on October 7, 2025. He was surrounded by his loving wife and family. The funeral service and committal burial service will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery at 10AM. His family will be present to welcome loved ones.

JJ was born on November 20, 1963, to Johnnie Lee and Nobuko Machida Howard in Iwakuni Japan. He grew up in Jacksonville, NC with his sisters, Mae Lynn and Brenda. He graduated from White Oak High School in 1982.

JJ proudly served his country for 22 years in the United States Air Force Security Forces, retiring at the rank of Master Sergeant. Throughout his distinguished military career, he served with honor and courage, including deployments to Panama, Desert Storm and Iraq. His assignments included security detail to President Ronald Reagan and being assigned to 1st Special Operations Support Squadron in Hulbert Field, FL. His commitment to duty, unwavering professionalism and leadership left a lasting impression on all who served alongside him.

A highly skilled marksman, JJ was known not only for his military precision but also for his love of competitive shooting. He represented his units in numerous shooting competitions earning recognition for his exceptional skill to the craft.

After his retirement, JJ did not relax. Following his own mantra, "Don't bring it weak" (DBIW), he threw himself into his community. He started his own lawn care business within Jacksonville and spent all his spare time playing, umpiring, or coordinating softball. He umpired locally for the city of Jacksonville. He became heavily involved in the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) Softball Program and brought USSSA to Jacksonville. He umpired across the world for USSSA and continued to do so until his passing.

JJ is survived by his wife Teresa of Hubert, NC. His children Tyler and Tori Howard, Colton Johnson (Alexandra) and Shawna Henderson (Chris), his grandchildren Finnian Machida Mann and Ivar James Johnson, his sisters, Mae Lynn Morton (Frankie) and Brenda Laskowski, and brother- in- laws, Corbett Riggs and Vance Riggs (Amanda). He is further survived by cousins, nieces, nephews, and other relatives. JJ is preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie Lee and Nobuko Machida Howard, and brother-in-law, Mark Laskowski.

A visitation will be held at Jones Funeral Home on Monday, October 13, 2025, from 5PM-7PM

JJ Howard and his family would like to express their eternal gratitude to Naval Medical Center, Camp Lejuene – ICU and MSW floor, "JJ's rockstars" as follows:

CIV April Taylor

CIV Courtney Stanford

CIV Jennifer Barwick

CIV Kaley Drago

CIV Kristin Hudson

CIV Nat Newborn

CIV Raven Junge

CIV Summer Allen

CIV Tara Santora

Ensign Patrick Westerman

Ensign Zachary Smith

LT Ashley Dyer

LT Breanna Barnes

LT Christopher Blank

LT Christopher Shank

LT Dillon McCourt

LT Shelby Wolf

LT. Erin Rice

LTJG Arthur "Brandon" Johns

LTJG Salem Coley