James Howard Hawk

J. Howard Hawk, a resident of Sedona since 1968, died suddenly at home on July 27. He was 91 1/2 years old.

Howard was born in Kingsport, Tennessee November 11, 1917. His family moved to Southern Californiawhen he was 5 years old. Howard lived in various cities including Azusa, Long Beach, Capistrano Beach, and Bakersfield.

By the time Howard was a young teen, his father had taught him to operate a crane. He was a man of numerous skills and occupations eventually becoming an asphalt paving contractor, a heavy equipment operator, and a trailer manufacturer. After moving to Sedona, he built and operated the Hawk Eye Trailer Park in Uptown Sedona. He was also Sedona's first locksmith and sold safes and office equipment. Howard was a salesman and was probably best known in Sedona for purveying promotional advertising merchandise. His own proclaimed "best customer", Howard delighted in giving out trinkets and pens emblazoned with his name. Most recently he ventured into commercial embroidery services with his his wife Donna.

Howard enlisted in the Sea Bees during World War II and was stationed on the island of Tinian in the South Pacific. Photos taken by Howard during his service were later included in a pictorial collection displayed at the University of Guam.

For nearly 70 years, Howard's true passion was golf. He played well and often and sought out courses across the country during his motor home travels. He spent many happy hours while teeing it up. Even though he was not able to play much in recent months, he practiced nearly every day on his home putting green.

Howard believed in helping those less fortunate and over his lifetime, belonged to a number of charitable organizations including the Masonic Order, the Shrine, and Lions Club. Howard was also a charter member of both the Rotary Club of Sedona Midday and the Rotary Club of Sedona Red Rocks.

Howard was predeceased by his younger son Jeff and his wife of 61 years, Shirley. He is survived by his wife Donna, son Jerry (Corinne);two grandchildren and many special friends.

Services will be at the Church of the Red Rocks on Saturday, August 1 at 11:00AM. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Rotary Club of Sedona Red Rocks Endowment Fund, P.O.Box #1986, Sedona, Arizona 86339 is suggested.