James Calvin Howerin

Jim Calvin Howerin, 68, of Blythewood, died on May 15, 2026. Born on March 12, 1958, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, he was the son of Calvin and Dot Howerin.

Jim always considered it a blessing to grow up in Virginia Beach, surrounded by loving grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Our cousins are often our first friends, and those relationships were shaped indelibly as the whole family gathered at the grandparents’ home each week for Sunday dinner.

Jim’s love for the water started there in Virginia Beach. He spent many days at the beach and learned to surf, making his love of the ocean even greater.

In the late 1970’s his family moved to Southern California. Again, being close to the ocean gave him new waters to conquer. While living there he was able to meet and join several groups that went to all the fun dance clubs. He loved to share stories of dancing until dawn, then rushing home to shower and head to work. Several times he even appeared on a dance show local to the area.

Jim eventually found his way back south, but this time to Georgia, as his family had moved there. He met his Southern Belle, Nanette, and decided maybe living back in the South wasn’t so bad after all. Jim and Nanette married on May 30, 1992, and he was thrilled to become Dad to Nanette’s daughter, Lauren. He cherished that cute little blondie with big blue eyes and loved her as his own.

Jim shared his love of dancing with Nanette; would grab her, looking down with his eyes sparkling, and say, “Hang on and just follow me, Punkin.” Pushing the furniture around in the living room to make a dance floor and turning on the music was a fun pastime and great way to spend an evening.

Jim had an amazing career as a CIO with several different companies. His vast knowledge and experience were admired and respected by his coworkers. Many considered him more of a mentor than a manager. It wasn’t uncommon for coworkers to reach out to him for advice and guidance, even after moving to other companies.

Jim was very kind, gracious of heart, and if you were blessed to have known him you know the value of his friendship. This is proven by the number of lifelong friends he had.

Jim is survived by his wife, Nanette, daughter, Lauren Godfrey (Kyle), grandson, Luke; mother, Dot Howerin, sister, Chris Gowers (Greg); and brother-in-law, Barry Langley. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Calvin Howerin.

Two celebrations of life will be held:
Saturday, June 20, 2026, 11:00 am -1:00 pm
Due West Methodist Church, Building C
3956 Due West Rd, Marietta, GA 30064

Saturday, July 11, 2026
11:00 am – Visitation
12:00 pm – Memorial Service
Shives Funeral Home
7600 Trenholm Rd Ext., Columbia, SC 29223

In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to the American Cancer Society, Pancreatic Cancer, or to Nanette’s Special Olympic tennis team, “Team Nettie’s Fault,” Special Olympics South Carolina, Area 7.