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<\/a><\/figure>July 3, 2025<\/p>\n
Jefferson Davis Howell, Jr., former director of NASA\u2019s Johnson Space Center in Houston, died July 2, in Bee Cave, Texas. He was 85 years old.<\/p>\n
Howell was a champion of the construction of the International Space Station, working on a deadline to complete the orbiting lab by 2004. He oversaw four space shuttle crews delivering equipment and hardware to reach that goal. He also served as director during a pivotal moment for the agency: the loss of STS-107 and the crew of space shuttle Columbia. He made it his personal responsibility to meet with the families, look after them, and attend memorial services, all while keeping the families informed of the accident investigation as it unfolded.<\/p>\n
\u201cGen. Howell led NASA Johnson through one of the most difficult chapters in our history, following the loss of Columbia and her crew,\u201d said acting associate administrator Vanessa Wyche. \u201cHe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
At the time of his selection as director, he was serving as senior vice president with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) as the program manager for the safety, reliability, and quality assurance contract at Johnson. Following the accident, he made it his mission to improve the relationship between the civil servant and contractor workforce. He left his position and the agency, in October 2005, shortly after the Return-to-Flight mission of STS-114.<\/p>\n
\u201cGeneral 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\u2019s successes not only in space but here on the ground \u2014 helping to strengthen the center\u2019s culture and offering guidance through both triumph and tragedy,\u201d said Steve Koerner, Johnson Space Center\u2019s acting director. \u201cOn behalf of NASA\u2019s Johnson Space Center, we offer our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of working alongside him. The impact of his legacy will continue to shape Johnson for decades to come.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Victoria, Texas, native was a retired lieutenant general in the U.S. Marine Corps with a decorated military career prior to his service at NASA. He flew more than 300 combat missions in Vietnam and Thailand.<\/p>\n
Howell is survived by his wife Janel and two children. A tree dedication will be held at NASA Johnson\u2019s memorial grove in the coming year.<\/p>\n
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Chelsey Ballarte<\/p>\n
Johnson Space Center, Houston<\/p>\n
281-483-5111<\/p>\n
chelsey.n.ballarte@nasa.gov<\/a><\/p>\n Powered by WPeMatico<\/a><\/small><\/p>\n Get The Details…<\/a> July 3, 2025 Jefferson Davis Howell, Jr., former director of NASA\u2019s Johnson Space Center in Houston, died July 2, in Bee Cave, Texas. He was 85 years old. Howell was a champion of the construction of the International Space Station, working on a deadline to complete the orbiting lab by 2004. He oversaw four space [\u2026] Continue reading
\nWendy K. Avedisian <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"