James Edward Howard

James Edward Howard passed away February 17, 2026 in Mexia at the age of 65. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, February 22, 2026 at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home with Rev. Jerry Johnson officiating. Visitation with the family will be prior to the service from 2:00-3:00 p.m.

James was born on October 16, 1959 in Madisonville, Texas to James Eugene and Dora Mae (Coffee) Howard. He was a longtime resident of Mexia and a graduate of Mexia High School. James was a truck driver for many years, a job he really enjoyed.

James had an outgoing personality, never met a stranger and usually greeted everyone with a smile on his face; he was well-known throughout the Mexia area. He enjoyed spending time with family. He especially looked forward to playing dominoes with his dad and brothers at the family gatherings, prior to his dad’s death.

James loved to play golf and enjoyed playing baseball in his younger years. Being a big fan of the Texas Rangers, he liked to watch baseball games as well as football games on TV.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Dora Howard; and brother-in-law, Van Hanshaw.

James is survived by his daughter, Jessica Simpson and husband, Billy; siblings, Doug Howard of Donie, Elaine Pruitt and husband, Frank of Shiloh, Faye Rhodes and husband, David of Nacogdoches; Brenda Hanshaw of Mexia; Charles Howard and wife, Connie of Belton, Keith Howard and wife, Holly of Groesbeck; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of choice.