July 3, 2025
Jefferson Davis Howell, Junior, former director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center at Houston, died on 2 July at B. Kave, Texas. He was 85 years old.
The Hawl was a champion of the construction of the International Space Station, working on a time limit to complete the orbiting lab by 2004. He oversee the four space shuttle crew giving equipment and hardware to reach that goal. He also worked as a director during an important moment for the agency: loss of STS -107 and crew of Space Shuttle Colombia. He made his personal responsibility to meet, take care of them, take care of them, and participate in memorial services, informing all families about the investigation of the accident, as it came to light.
“After the loss of Colombia and its crew, General Howell led NASA Johnson through one of the most difficult chapters in our history,” said the acting associate administrator Vanessa Vaiche. “He guided the workforce with clarity and compassion, brought in strength and stable direction. He cared deeply to the people behind the mission and generously shared his leadership skills with the team. We expand our heartfelt condolences to our family and who knew them and loved them all.”
At the time of his selection as the director, he was serving as a senior vice -president with the Science Application International Corporation (SAIC) as the Program Manager for Security, Credibility and Quality Assurance Contract in Johnson. After the accident, he made it his mission to improve the relationship between civil servant and contractor workforce. He left his position and agency in October 2005 immediately after the STS-114’s Return-to-Flight Mission.
“General Howell stepped into leadership in Johnson during a decisive time, as the international space station was just starting to take shape. He led NASA’s successes not only in space but also on the ground – helped to strengthen the culture of the center and guide them through both Triumph and Tragedy,” Steve Cornear, Johnson Space Center said by acting director of Johnson Space Center. “From NASA’s Johnson Space Center, we provide our family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of working with him. His legacy will continue to shape Johnson for the coming decades.”
Victoria, Texas, native was a retired Lt Gen in the American Marine Corps with a decorated military career before his service at NASA. He blew more than 300 fighter missions in Vietnam and Thailand.
Howell is alive by his wife Genel and two children. In the coming year, a tree will be dedicated to NASA Johnson’s Memorial Grove.
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Chelsea Ballerte
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-483-5111
cheelsey.n.ballaarte@nasa.gov
