James D. Howard age 83, widower of Wanda Dixon Howard, passed away Friday June 8, 2018. James was a former truck driver for A.O. Smith Trucking Company and he had also attended Clear Creek Bible College and worked as a pastor, and he was a long time member of the Silver Creek Baptist Church where he also served as Deacon. He loved spending time outdoors, but he was his happiest when he was spending time with his family and friends whom he loved and cherished deeply. James was born in Leslie County Kentucky to the late Jesse James and Charity Tomlin Howard. James was also preceded in death by daughter Brenda Howard Hiten and several brothers and sisters. James is survived by his children: Joey (Tracie) Howard, Fran (Adam) Feltner, Donna (Bobby) Gray, and Libby (David) Ellis, 14 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren, and several special nieces and nephews. Funeral services for James will be Tuesday June 12, 2018 at 11 am at Lakes Funeral Home with Rev. Tim Roberts, and Rev. Rodger Davis officiating. Burial will be in the Berea Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Earl Ray Neal, James Hampton, Dylan Howard, Ryan Ellis, Jacob Ellis, and Jedidiah Webb, Chris Feltner, Tyler Adams. Honorary pallbearers will be Ford Thompson, Tim Walker, Stan Sizemore, Paul Dean, Billy Linville, Rodney Davis, and Dalton Howard. Visitation will be Monday June 11, 2018 at Lakes Funeral Home from 6-9 pm. Online condolences at www.lakesfuneralhome.com. My Gracious Father When I look back on my life and how I have grown and become who I am today, I’m reminded of my Dad, James Howard. His compassion for those he encountered set him aside from all others. His loyalty to his family has been the foundation for how I have raised my children. His Spiritual grounding was instilled within me and within my children, for that I am so thankful. He has always been one of the most hardworking people I have known. He instilled this trait into me as well. I watched his journey from an unstoppable force, to weakened man due to his battle with Parkinson’s disease. This lead to my father and lifelong care giver needing to be taken care of himself. It was very difficult for him to show any weakness, his trials eventually brought him to confess that he needed help with his health conditions. While he never wanted to burden anyone, he was persistent in battling his illness. There was no limit to what me and my family would do to ensure my dad was well taken care of. However, God had other plans in mind, and called him home. I am immensely blessed to say My dad was my best friend, I sought his advice, cherished his wisdom, and smile at the wonderful memories I have made with him throughout my life. His influence made me the man I am today. There will never be another person quite like my dad, he was special that way. He came to earth to make a difference and has done that with me and everyone he has met. I feel a sense of relief knowing that he is no longer in pain, and that he is watching over me and my family from heaven, with my mom by his side. I will miss my dad and best friend more than words could ever express, but look forward to the day I get to see him again. -Joey L. Howard