The University community remembered historical architect James Murray Howard yesterday afternoon at a memorial service in the University Chapel. Howard, who served the University from 1982 to 2002 in addition to teaching classes more recently, died at age 60 in late December.
Two years after arriving at the University,? Howard became director of the Academical Village restoration project, President John T. Casteen III said. In this position, Howard refurbished five pavilions and 37 student rooms.
Howard was always dedicated to preserving the architectural heritage of the University's buildings while also keeping them functional for future use and, according to Casteen, will be remembered as such. Casteen also said Howard's "profound knowledge" of 18th-century architecture allowed him to read buildings well and preserve them with the utmost accuracy and attention to detail. Howard spent two years studying and living in Versailles, France, according to Casteen, and this experience better enabled him to understand the French influences on Thomas Jefferson's architectural designs.
In addition to his restoration work at the University, Howard taught courses in the Architecture School and in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies.
"Murray was above all a teacher," Casteen said, adding that Howard last taught a course titled "The Design of Interior Spaces" for the School of Continuing and Professional Studies this fall.
"He was a friend and mentor to all," Casteen said.
Casteen also noted that Howard will be remembered as a man of generous spirit and intellect.
Thomas E. Howard, Jr., brother of the late architect, similarly remembered Howard's sensitivity, artistic ability and wit and recalled how these qualities affected Howard's fascination with automobiles.
He fondly recalled how his brother, then just a 10-year-old boy, once sent a car drawing to Chrysler Motors LLC. After receiving a thank-you response from the chief designer, the next generation of Chrysler automobiles looked remarkably like the budding designer's picture.
Originally from Talladega, Ala.?, Howard received his bachelor's degree in architectural design from Auburn University before obtaining a master's degree in architecture and a doctorate in history of art and architecture from the University of Illinois. Beginning in 2006, Howard served as the director of historic architecture at Commonwealth Architects in Richmond.
Looking back over Howard's life, Casteen said the architect's presence would continue to be felt in the University community in the future.
"We are better people for having met Murray Howard," Casteen said.
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