Howard James

Howard R. James age 85 of Concord, NC, passed away on Sunday, June 12, 2011 at Transitional Health Services in Kannapolis. The family will receive friends at Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord on Wednesday, June 15, 2011 from 6pm until 8pm. The funeral service will be Thursday, June 16, 2011 at 11am at Center United Methodist Church officiated by Rev. Don Newman. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites performed by Cabarrus County Veterans Honor Guard. Mr. James was born in Cabarrus County on May 16, 1926, to the late Conly Reid James and the late Maude Cowen James. Mr. James is survived by his wife, Ethel Virginia Cress James of the home; son, Kenneth James and wife Pat of Winston Salem, NC, daughter; Patti James Poole and husband Keith of Kannapolis, NC, grandchildren; Kevin James, Shannon James, Brandon Poole and Mallory P. Beam. Mr. James graduated from Catawba College in 1950. He was a teacher at Central Cabarrus High School in Concord for 17 years and he taught at Hartsell High School for 16 years. He was a member of the NC Association of Educators and Center United Methodist Church. Mr. James was a World War II Honoree. He proudly served his country in the US Navy. He served on the USS David W. Taylor from May 24, 1944 to June 20, 1946. He earned two battle Stars: One for Okinawa Gunto operation and occupation, June 30, 1945. Also, he earned the Occupation Service Medal (Japan) September 2, 1945 to October 31, 1945. Memorials may be made to Center United Methodist Church, 1119 Union Street, South, Concord, NC 28025. Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the James family.