Funeral services for Dr. James H. Howard, who passed away January 6, 1936, at the Washington Sanitarium and Hospital, aged seventy-four years, were held Sabbath afternoon, January 11, at the First Seventh-day Adventist church. Burial followed at the Harmony Cemetery, Monday afternoon.

Dr. Howard was born at Brookville, Maryland, on March 23, 1861. He attended the grammar school at Brighton, Maryland. In his early teens he came to Washington and attended Howard University. In 1883 he received his M.D. from the Medical School of Howard University. After graduation he practiced as a physician, and at the same time served as a clerk in the War Department in Washington, D.C. In 1886 he was united in marriage with Isabella Marion Cook, who preceded him in death by a number of years.

For over forty-five years he was a faithful and devoted member of the First Seventh-day Adventist church. His fellow members looked to him as a worthy leader, a friend and brother.

In 1923 he went to Abyssinia, and while there his interest in building a school for the education of Ethiopian girls materialized. Returning to this country after an absence of about a year, he reentered the government service. In 1925 he was married to Retha Dillard, with whom he lived happily until the time of his death.

Dr. Howard was a Christian gentleman. His inspiring life, his noble character, have left their impression not only on the church circle, but on all who were acquainted with him. He is survived by his wife; one sister, Mrs. Martha Ann Pumphrey; and many other relatives, and a host of devoted friends. We feel confident that our brother sleeps in Jesus, awaiting the voice of the Life-giver.

-Adolphus E. Webb, “JAMES H. HOWARD, M.D.” Adventist Review, February 20, 1936, pg. 21.