Jack A. Howalt ’49

Jack Alwin Howalt, 86, passed away Monday, January 19, 2015, peacefully at Community Hospice. He had been challenged with a respiratory illness for the past year. Jack was born in Minneapolis in December 1928. His family moved to Jacksonville in the early 1940’s and he graduated from Landon High School. While in high school he worked at his father’s gas station and was a lifeguard for the Red Cross at Jacksonville Beach. He attended the Maine Maritime Academy (Castine, Maine) and graduated with a Marine Engineering degree in 1949. On a blind date he met Gayle Crockett and they were married in 1950. They were married for 62 years (Gayle passed away in 2012). Jack worked for Texaco on an oil tanker for 2 years and they moved back to Jacksonville and he started his career with the Army Corps of Engineers. He retired in 1984 after 33 years. He enjoyed traveling, playing golf, sailing, a good thick steak and a glass of Jack Daniels. He is preceded in death by his wife Gayle, his parents Al and Kittie Howalt and his brother Bob. He leaves behind a sister Patty (Dave) and 3 sons Jerry (Lillian), Gary (Gail), Terry (Lyra) and 7 grandchildren-Heather (John), Justin (Missy), Courtney (Ryan), Carson, Kimberlee, Kelley (Josh), and 6 great grandchildren. His mind stayed strong to the very end and we will miss his commentary during football games, his ability to remember so many details, and how much he enjoyed having a glass of Jack Daniels before dinner. A good heart, a strong mind and a great love for family and friends. Thank you Jack for sharing your life with us. It was a great ride. As he requested there will be a small family dinner and his ashes spread over water. The family will honor those wishes in the late spring. In lieu of flowers please send your memories to his sons. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com –