James Dean Howze

LUBBOCK - James Dean (Jim) Howze, aged 86, beloved husband and father, respected artist and Texas Tech professor, fled for the higher realms on Thursday. Known for his dry sense of humor, Jim had a long and distinguished career creating art, teaching and helping shape the Texas Tech art program. He was born in Lubbock, Texas, on April 8, 1930 to James Hugh Howze and Blanche Beatrice Hanna Howze. After graduating from Clarendon High School, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Austin College in Sherman, Texas, where he also sang in the choir and in the Madrigal Singers. Upon graduating, Jim joined the Army as an officer where he was a tank platoon commander for the 82nd Airborne Division. After discharge he worked as a civilian for the Army as an illustrator. He then attended ArtCenter College of Design in Los Angeles, followed by the University of Michigan, where he earned a Master of Fine Arts degree. Returning to Lubbock, he began his teaching career at Texas Tech University in Architecture and Allied Arts and aided in the creation of a new Department of Art. Jim headed the Texas Tech undergraduate art program in Taos for a number of years, served briefly as assistant chair for the Art Department, and took great pleasure in mentoring students. Outside of his teaching responsibilities, he also co-authored a textbook, “Creating and Understanding Drawings”, with Gene A. Mittler. He also had a love of mechanical devices and raced sports cars as a young man. Throughout his life he was dedicated to making and showing his artwork professionally. Professor Howze was proficient in many styles of art, but his preferred métier was drawing. Although he approached his craft with a great seriousness, his work was often balanced by an intellectual humor. Jim retired in 1995, and was awarded Professor Emeritus in the Art Department. He continued to maintain a studio until his death. He has also served as a Deacon in the Presbyterian Church. Jim is survived by his wife of 56 years Jean Ethridge Howze, his son James M. Howze of Austin, Texas, daughter Alison Jean Sosa of Wenatchee, Washington, and daughter Jennifer Page Howze-Wood of London, England, as well as his grandchildren, Rachel Elaine Bagley, Lillian Faye Howze-Wood and James Joseph (Jet) Howze. The family wishes to thank Gayla and all of the staff at Home Instead for their kindness and care. A memorial service will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at 4 p.m. The family requests in lieu of flowers that memorial gifts be made to the Cheatham/Howze Drawing Scholarship Endowment at the Texas Tech Foundation for the School of Art. Gifts can be made via www.give2tech.com or by mail at: Texas Tech University, PO Box 41081, Lubbock, TX 79409. Condolences may be offered at www.facebook.com/jean.howze.

James Dean Howze

April 8, 1930 - December 29, 2016