Jefferson Davis Howell, Jr., the esteemed former director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, passed away on July 2 in Bee Cave, Texas, at the age of 85. Howell’s tenure at NASA was marked by significant achievements and challenges, including his pivotal role in the construction of the International Space Station (ISS) and his leadership during the tragic loss of the space shuttle Columbia.
Howell, a native of Victoria, Texas, was instrumental in the completion of the ISS by 2004, overseeing four space shuttle missions that delivered critical equipment and hardware. His leadership was crucial during one of NASA’s most challenging periods, following the Columbia disaster. Howell personally committed to supporting the families of the lost crew members, ensuring they were informed throughout the accident investigation process.
A Legacy of Leadership and Compassion
Vanessa Wyche, acting associate administrator, reflected on Howell’s impact, stating,
“Gen. Howell led NASA Johnson through one of the most difficult chapters in our history, following the loss of Columbia and her crew. He brought strength and steady direction, guiding the workforce with clarity and compassion. He cared deeply for the people behind the mission and shared his leadership skills generously with the team. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and all who knew and loved him.”
At the time of his appointment as director, Howell was serving as a senior vice president with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), managing safety, reliability, and quality assurance contracts at Johnson. His tenure was marked by efforts to bridge the gap between civil servants and contractors, a mission he pursued with dedication until his departure in October 2005, following the successful Return-to-Flight mission of STS-114.
Guiding NASA Through Triumph and Tragedy
Steve Koerner, acting director of Johnson Space Center, emphasized Howell’s influence, saying,
“General Howell stepped into leadership at Johnson during a pivotal time, as the International Space Station was just beginning to take shape. He led and supported NASA’s successes not only in space but here on the ground – helping to strengthen the center’s culture and offering guidance through both triumph and tragedy.”
Koerner extended NASA’s deepest sympathies to Howell’s family, friends, and colleagues, acknowledging the enduring impact of his legacy.
Before joining NASA, Howell had a distinguished military career as a lieutenant general in the U.S. Marine Corps, flying over 300 combat missions in Vietnam and Thailand. His military background provided a strong foundation for his leadership at NASA, where he applied his strategic acumen and dedication to public service.
Remembering a Dedicated Leader
Howell is survived by his wife, Janel, and their two children. In honor of his contributions, a tree dedication ceremony will be held at NASA Johnson’s memorial grove in the coming year, a testament to his lasting influence on the space center and its community.
The announcement of Howell’s passing comes as NASA continues to build on the foundations he helped lay. His commitment to excellence and his compassionate leadership remain a guiding light for the organization, inspiring future generations of space explorers and leaders.
As NASA looks forward to new challenges and opportunities, the legacy of Jefferson Howell serves as a reminder of the resilience and dedication required to achieve great things in space exploration. His memory will undoubtedly continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps, ensuring that his contributions to NASA and the field of space exploration are never forgotten.
