He was born on February 3, 1918, in Dexter, MO, the son of James Robert and Julia Wood Howell. He was always known as Jay. He grew up in the Depression, and joined the Army Air Forces in WWII, becoming a B-17 pilot. He flew twenty-five combat missions over Europe in the 457th Bombardment Squadron, and later made the service his career, retiring as a full Colonel. Among his numerous awards and commendations were the Legion of Merit, and the Air and Air Force Commendation Medals, both with may oak-leaf clusters.



In New York City, while waiting to be shipped to England, he met Jayne Epley and they married after the war at a small air base in Kansas in 1946.