Rest In Peace For A Job Well Done
Within the existence of the human condition, we have the ability to recognize that our condition is fraught with frailties, some of which are overlooked and some that are hardly recognized or addressed.
Among the aforementioned frailties is the existence of our final days. Over this past week, I had to acknowledge the untimely passing, of a long time friend and Fraternity Brother – James L. Howard, after his battle with a terminal illness.
I first came to know James, during the period when he was pursuing his membership into the Psi Alpha Chapter, of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, which he successfully completed, and was initiated in March of 1971. I, myself, had been previously initiated, into Omega Psi Phi, in December of 1970, at Prairie View A & M.
At time of his initiation, James was completing his studies, at St. Philip’s College and went on to attend Prairie View, where he completed his education, receiving a Bachelor’s of Arts, in Music Education. Our attendance at Prairie View, even though it happened to be at different times, was another aspect of a great friendship.
Upon returning, to San Antonio, around 1973, we made it our mission to vigorously seek gainful employment, beginning in late 1973, as I had worked at a local youth agency, from 1972 to 1973.
In July of 1974, we both were hired, by the recreation unit, at Fort Sam Houston, to work evenings, weekends and holidays, at the Music Center and the Hacienda Recreation Center, respectively. Those were great experiences.
Later on, Bro. Howard began work at Eloise Japhet Elementary, in the San Antonio Independent School District, which was to become a wonderful stepping stone in his career, as an education advocate and as a champion of the community’s needs as well as the needs of parents, students and staff members.
James became president of the Paraprofessional Employees, which led to his being tagged, for a position with the American Federation of Teachers. Mr. Howard was to run later, in 1988, against Tom Gaffney, for the position of District 2 Trustee, with the San Antonio Independent School District, which he ultimately won.
That was a major win for my friend, who went on to “represent District 2 for twenty years, defended teachers while a member of the AFT”, per a partial social media post from former City Councilman Mario Salas. In his serving, James was active as follows:
Church Clerk and Trustee (Friendship Baptist Church) — Member Bexar Appraisal Review Board — Member Denver Heights Executive Board.
Over all of these years, and at different times, I witnessed my friend’s growth, dedication and maturity, on display. We attended many Saturday morning Prayer breakfasts, early evening campaign events and sought to have a positive impact in the same community where he grew up.
I will always fondly remember my experience with James, during the time his mother had passed. I knew I had to go and offer my condolences,but I feared going, thinking that I wouldn’t know what to say. I summoned the courage to get there, and upon entering the room, he called for everyone to be silent and said,
“Here he comes – my best friend! I knew he was coming, but, I just didn’t know when he would get here!”
From that point, I found that the status, as a good or a best friend, was truly a treasure and one to forever behold.
Rest In Peace, My Good Brother and Friend.
