WAYNESVILLE — On Monday, Jan. 4, 2021, James (Sonny) Howard transitioned from this life.

Born in Athens, Georgia, on July 24, 1938, he was the eldest son of the late Lorine (Howard) Bouknight and Harold Jones. James was a 1957 graduate of Reynolds High School and retired as a production worker from Dayco in Waynesville, North Carolina. Having a strong attention to detail, he was also a skilled painter and handyman.

With a joyful personality, James could make anyone smile and laugh easily. He was not only charitable with his time, James was also generous with his possessions. If he had it, you could use it or borrow it. His generosity also extended to charitable services and giving.

He was a member of the Lions Club, donor to the local and state fraternal order of police as well as In Touch Ministries, American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, along with other local and national organizations. As a result of James’ love for hunting and fishing, he became a founding member of the Brotherhood Hunting Club.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Amy Lee Howard; daughter, Regina Howard; son, James (Jimmy) Howard; brother, Julius Dalton; sister, Florine Thomas; daughter-in-law Cathey McDonald Howard Kalimah, and stepfather Lee Bouknight.

James leaves behind loving children, daughter, Sonetra Howard and son, Jameel Kalimah (Stephanie); his brother, Henry Dalton and sister, Patricia Bouknight-Hamilton (James); along with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. The laughter, smiles, jokes and the happy times spent on the porch provide many loving memories to be cherished by everyone. James will be missed and remembered by all who were blessed to be in his presence.

In lieu of flowers, the family recommends donations to the Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center located at P.O. Box 1494, Waynesville, NC 28786. A memorial service will be held during the summer of 2021.

Garrett Funerals and Cremations is caring for the Howard family. www.garrettfuneralsandcremations.com.