Howard, James "Jim" Wesley, Jr. 82, was born on July 12, 1933 in Stonington, CO, to James Wesley Howard and Eva Fern (Crissman) Howard. He passed away on July 4, 2016, in Topeka, KS. He formerly lived in El Dorado, KS, Emporia, KS, Woodward, OK, Miami, Ok, Montrose, CO, and Derby, KS. He graduated from Springfield High School, in 1951 at Springfield, CO and worked for Skelly Oil Company, Bluestem Farm Store and managed Best Western motels until retirement. On August 2, 1953, he married Wanda Rae (Riggs) Howard in El Dorado, KS, and the following year their only son, Danny Ray Howard, was born on his birthday, July 12, 1954. Jim is survived by his wife, Wanda Rae (Riggs) Howard of Topeka; son, Danny Ray Howard of Goddard; three sisters, Alma Kay (Howard) Day of Dighton, Thelma Fay (Howard) Hoover of Scott City, Bernice May (Howard) Torrontegui; two granddaughters, Ashley (Howard) Charest and her husband, Aaron Charest of Topeka, and Chancy Howard of Goddard; step-grandchildren, Brett Layman, Shynne Layman of El Dorado; and two great-grandchildren, Ainsley Morgan Charest and Alexandria Murano Charest of Topeka. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Elmer Clinton Howard; and sister, Naomi Fern Howard. Jim has elected not to have any funeral or burial service. No flowers requested, but donations may be made in his memory to the , 1315 SW Arrowhead Road, Topeka, KS 66604. For additional information or to send notes of condolence to the family, visit www.dovecremation.com