Howard Vern James

Howard James was born on August 17, 1936 in Wagner, SD. He was the second of five children of Cecil and Polly James. Though the family moved to the big city of Omaha when he was a child, he spent summers on the farm with his brothers, sisters and cousins. Howard graduated from South High School, where he met his future wife, Betty, and began preparing for his career in printing. During his long career, Howard worked in a number of shops, including Paramount Paper, Service Engraving and Colonial Press before retiring from Printco in 1999.

A proud union member, Howard was active in GCIU Local 520 and its predecessor, the GAIU.

After completing his service with the Nebraska Army National Guard, Howard returned home to marry Betty and fulfill his dream of owning his own home. With the help of his father-in-law and the rest of his family, Howard turned a section of cornfield into the home that he and Betty and, later, their daughter Cindy, would share until Betty’s death in 2025 and that he, himself, would live in until shortly before his death.

Howard enjoyed fishing, Cornhusker football and hockey, especially the New York Rangers, a love he passed onto his grandsons.

Howard was a loving father, grandfather, brother and uncle and will be greatly missed by all. He loved spending time laughing and joking with friends and family. He was thoughtful and deliberate when making decisions often exclaiming “Now just wait a minute” when anyone tried to rush him.

Howard was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, his brother, Charles, and his parents, Cecil and Polly James.

He is survived by his daughter, Cindy (Mike) Manzi, grandsons, Michael and Max Manzi, brother Gary (Pennyrae), sisters Norma Gregurich and Gloria James, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to the Josie Harper Hospice House. Though he was not there long, they helped him fulfill his last wish, to end his time with dignity and grace.