James R. Howard, 93 of Oswego passed away Monday, February 9, at Crouse Hospital.

Born Jan. 23, 1933 in Binghamton he was the son of Samuel and Helena O'Brien Howard. Mr. Howard was the husband of the late Barbara Ann Howard who died March 26, 2018.

James was a 1950 graduate of Vestal High School. He attended Ithaca College earning both a B.S. and M.S. in Physical Education in 1954 and 1958. While at Ithaca he was a two-time wrestling All American finishing 2nd at the 1954 NCAA Championships and 3rd in 1953. He proudly served in the US Army from 1954-56 stationed in Germany. While in the service he was a member of the US Army National Team and was an alternate on the 1956 Olympic team.

After serving his country, James was hired at Windsor High School where he taught physical education and coached wrestling from 1956-1962. He started the Windsor Holiday tournament which is currently the longest running high school tournament in NY state. He was instrumental in organizing the first NYS high school wrestling championships serving as tournament director in 1963 at Cornell University.

He joined the athletic department at SUNY Oswego in 1962, serving as the wrestling coach until 1989. His team won 6-SUNYAC titles, produced 29-NCAA All Americans, three individual national champions and seven top ten NCAA finishes. In 1982 after a 3rd place finish, he was recognized as the NCAA Division III Coach of the Year. Coach was a highly sought after clinician, for over 18 years he was co-director of the Northeastern Takedown & Leg Wrestling Camp. From 1985-1988 he served as President of the National Wrestling Coaches Association.

James is a charter member of the Ithaca College Hall of Fame (1969) and Oswego State Hall of Fame (2001). He has also been inducted into the following Hall of Fames, NYS Section IV Wrestling (1972), NYS Collegiate Wrestling (1980), NWCA Division III (1991), NYSPHSAA Wrestling (1992) and received the Lifetime Service Award by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame-Upstate NY Chapter (1997).

James was appointed the Director of Conferences, Workshops and Institutes in 1979 until retirement in 1990. He served as chair of the Public Ceremonies Committee for 18 years where he oversaw two presidential inaugurations, the college's 125th Anniversary and many commencement ceremonies. He was recipient of the 1989 SUNY Chancellors Award for Excellence in Professional Service.

An avid outdoorsman James traveled North America in pursuit of the best fly-fishing tributaries and big game hunting grounds. Upon retirement he was a very active member of the Oswego Country Club and took up bee keeping forming the Hives of Howard.

Mr. Howard is survived by three sons, James R. (Julie Jerdo) Howard II of Ogdensburg, Mark (Deborah) Howard of North Syracuse, Michael (Su-Ann) Howard of Minetto, one sister Eileen Behrens of North Carolina, 7 grandchildren James (Rachel) Howard III, Katie (Jerry) Bottari, Kimbery Pacific, Chrissy (Mark) Bell, Michael (Carla) Howard Jr, Brittany (Bob) Shatell, Matthew Howard, 14 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews as well as friend Kate Johnson.

In addition to his parents and wife he was predeceased by a sister Joan Trudeau and brother William Howard.

Funeral services will be Friday, February 20, 2026 at 10:30 AM at St. Mary's Church. Burial will be in St. Paul's Cemetery. Calling hours will take place Thursday, February 19, from 4-7PM at the Dain-Cullinan Funeral Home.

Contributions may be made to OSU Wrestling Team Fund, Oswego College Foundation, Room 215 Sheldon Hall Oswego, NY 13126.