GEAYA Mourns the Passing of Founder and Community Leader James Howard (1935–2025)
Austin, Texas – October 27, 2025 – The Greater East Austin Youth Association (GEAYA) and the East Austin Youth Foundation are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Mr. James Morris Ellis Howard (1935–2025) — President Emeritus, philanthropist, coach, mentor, and community leader.
Mr. Howard was instrumental in bringing organized youth sports to East Austin in the 1970s alongside co-founder Nat Cannon. Together, they created what would become a cornerstone of youth development and community unity — the Greater East Austin Youth Association — founded in 1975.
Through their leadership and passion, GEAYA and later the East Austin Youth Foundation became lifelines for East Austin youth, offering organized sports, mentorship, and scholarship opportunities in an environment built on teamwork, respect, and community spirit.
For more than 25 years, Mr. Howard served as a coach and mentor, dedicating his life to creating opportunities for children in East Austin. He was instrumental in organizing the first local youth football, basketball, girls’ kickball, and Little League baseball programs. Mr. Howard tirelessly raised funds, gathered equipment, formed teams, and ensured that no child was left out due to financial hardship.
Following the passing of his beloved wife, Lola Bernice Howard, also a coach, Mr. Howard continued his mission with renewed purpose, answering what he described as a “calling from God” to uplift and serve the youth of East Austin.
“This is a big loss for GEAYA,” said Lee Dawson Jr., President of GEAYA. “Mr. Howard had a huge influence on my life, and his efforts encouraged me to step up and join GEAYA after playing for him as a kid. GEAYA is a family, and Mr. Howard was like our grandfather — the one who started the ball rolling and brought youth sports to our community. We will miss him deeply. God bless him and his family.”
Mr. Howard’s vision led to the creation of hundreds of opportunities for local children through GEAYA’s early programs — football teams like the Blue Knights and Green Hornets, Little Dribblers basketball teams such as the Falcons and Yellow Jackets, and the league’s first baseball teams. Today, GEAYA continues to serve hundreds of East Austin youth, ages 4 to 16, through its baseball and softball programs.
Mr. Howard believed that youth sports bring communities together and teach lifelong values such as discipline, respect, sportsmanship, and teamwork — and that “everyone’s a winner if you do the best you can.”
This weekend and beyond, GEAYA teams will play in his honor, carrying his legacy forward with every pitch, catch, and swing.
Memorial Services for Mr. James Morris Ellis Howard
Visitation
📍 Olivet Baptist Church
1179 San Bernard Street, Austin, TX 78702
🗓️ Saturday, November 1, 2025 | ⏰ 10:00–11:00 a.m. CDT
Funeral Service
📍 Olivet Baptist Church
1179 San Bernard Street, Austin, TX 78702
🗓️ Saturday, November 1, 2025 | ⏰ 11:00–12:00 p.m. CDT
Interment
📍 Evergreen Cemetery, Austin, TX 78721
🗓️ Saturday, November 1, 2025 | ⏰ 2:00–2:30 p.m. CDT
About GEAYA
Founded in 1975, the Greater East Austin Youth Association (GEAYA) and its partner, the East Austin Youth Foundation, are 100% volunteer-driven nonprofit organizations dedicated to providing organized sports and youth development opportunities to the children of East Austin. Through mentorship, teamwork, and community engagement, GEAYA continues to build a legacy of empowerment and unity for future generations.
Media Contact:
Coach Emaan Abdelbaki
Greater East Austin Youth Association (GEAYA)
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.geaya.org