By Staff
Mr. James J. Howerin, Jr., 82, of 14 River Acres East passed away Thursday, July 12, 2007, at Pitt Memorial Hospital. Mr. Howerin was born in New Bern, NC, March 1, 1925, to the late James J. and Irene Tuthill Howerin.
He is survived by his wife Athalia Alligood Gravely Howerin of Washington, son Kenneth G. Howerin and wife Fern of Charlotte, NC, daughter Katherine Howerin Peralta and husband Raul of Trinity, NC, son, Keith G. Howerin and wife Jacquelin of Greenville, SC; stepchildren William A. Gravely, Jr. and wife Jill, Charles Steven Gravely and wife Martha, Harley Gravely and wife Sherry, all of Washington, NC, and Athy Gravely Robinson of Creedmoor. He is also survived by nine grandchildren. Mr. Howerin was predeceased by his wife of 47 years, Marion Smith Swain, formerly of Washington, NC.
James graduated with the 1942 class of Washington High School and earned a B.S. from Wake Forest University in 1948.
Proud to serve his country, he fought as an infantryman in Europe from 1944 to 1945. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Prisoner of War Medal, and combat infantry badge. He later served in the Army Reserve for 16 years, being honorably discharged as a Captain.
James retired from the chemical industry in 1986 after working 7 years with Allied Chemical in Hopewell, Va. and 31 years with E. I. DuPont in Kinston, Wilmington and Monterey, Mexico.
Throughout his adult life, James was active in the Presbyterian Church. He served as a deacon at the First Presbyterian Church in Kinston, NC, as an elder on the session at Clemmons Presbyterian Church, and as an elder on the session at First Presbyterian Church in Washington.
He was a longtime member of Civitan Internal Civic Club, serving in all club offices and as Lt. Governor and a member of the district level Governor’s Council. Always active, he volunteered at the NC Estuarium, was President of the Down East Seniors Club, and a member of the “Little” Supper Club.
Family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 14, at Hillside Funeral Service. A memorial service will be held Sunday, July 15, at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Washington. There will be a reception immediately following the service.
Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to the NC Estuarium, 223 Water Street, Washington, NC 27889, or the First Presbyterian Church Pew Fund, 211 West 2nd Street, Washington, NC 27889.
You may share a memory with the family by visiting www.hillsidefuneralservice.com.
Paid Obituary