July 3, 2025
Jefferson Davis Howell, Jr., former director of NASA’s Johnson Area Heart in Houston, died July 2, in Bee Cave, Texas. He was 85 years previous.
Howell was a champion of the development of the Worldwide Area Station, engaged on a deadline to finish the orbiting lab by 2004. He oversaw 4 house shuttle crews delivering tools and {hardware} to achieve that aim. He additionally served as director throughout a pivotal second for the company: the lack of STS-107 and the crew of house shuttle Columbia. He made it his private duty to fulfill with the households, take care of them, and attend memorial providers, all whereas maintaining the households knowledgeable of the accident investigation because it unfolded.
“Gen. Howell led NASA Johnson by way of one of the vital tough chapters in our historical past, following the lack of Columbia and her crew,” mentioned performing affiliate administrator Vanessa Wyche. “He introduced power and regular route, guiding the workforce with readability and compassion. He cared deeply for the folks behind the mission and shared his management expertise generously with the workforce. We prolong our heartfelt condolences to his household and all who knew and beloved him.”
On the time of his choice as director, he was serving as senior vice chairman with Science Functions Worldwide Company (SAIC) as this system supervisor for the protection, reliability, and high quality assurance contract at Johnson. Following the accident, he made it his mission to enhance the connection between the civil servant and contractor workforce. He left his place and the company, in October 2005, shortly after the Return-to-Flight mission of STS-114.
“Basic Howell stepped into management at Johnson throughout a pivotal time, because the Worldwide Area Station was simply starting to take form. He led and supported NASA’s successes not solely in house however right here on the bottom — serving to to strengthen the middle’s tradition and providing steering by way of each triumph and tragedy,” mentioned Steve Koerner, Johnson Area Heart’s performing director. “On behalf of NASA’s Johnson Area Heart, we provide our deepest sympathies to his household, mates, and all those that had the privilege of working alongside him. The affect of his legacy will proceed to form Johnson for many years to return.”
The Victoria, Texas, native was a retired lieutenant basic within the U.S. Marine Corps with a adorned army profession previous to his service at NASA. He flew greater than 300 fight missions in Vietnam and Thailand.
Howell is survived by his spouse Janel and two youngsters. A tree dedication can be held at NASA Johnson’s memorial grove within the coming yr.
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Chelsey Ballarte
Johnson Area Heart, Houston
281-483-5111
