PETTY, JAMES HOWARD - age 80, of Knoxville, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 3rd, 2013 at Fort Sanders Regional Hospital of congestive heart failure. Howard was born February 26, 1932 to Alice and Jack Petty (deceased) in Sulphur, Oklahoma. He graduated from Oklahoma State University (Oklahoma A & M) where he was a member of Iota Lambda Sigma Professional Fraternity. Howard served in the Korean War and was retired from Lincoln Electric Company of Cleveland, Ohio and Holston Gases of Knoxville. He was part of the "original Vol Navy" that began in the 1960's. Howard was past commander of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Boating was his passion throughout his life. He was a member of Sacred Heart Cathedral for over 50 years and was Past Grand Knight of Council 5207 and worked diligently for his church and the community. In 2009 he was honored by the State of Tennessee with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Howard was preceded in death by his brother, Howson. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sarah McAnaw; his daughters, Jane Keener and husband Tony, and Angela; his sons, Mark, and Brian and wife Shera all of Knoxville; granddaughter, Samantha Sigler, of Bridgeport, West Virginia; friends with fur, Sierra and Maggie; sister, Sylviene Runyan and husband Pete; niece and nephew, Linda Ramer and husband, Joe, and Carl, all of Sulphur, Oklahoma; sister-in-law, Joy; nieces, Janet, of Virginia, and Karen Hammond and husband, Greg, of Connecticut. A special thanks to Judy and Wayne Keener, always there when needed. A celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Cathedral Church with Monsignor T. Allen Humbrecht officiating. Interment private. In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to the Catholic Charities, 3009 Lakebrook Blvd., Knoxville, TN 37909, or a charity of your choice . The family will receive friends on Tuesday, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., at Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.rosemortuary.com.