James Howe was a native of Wilmington, North Carolina where he finished his early formal education. He was a World War I veteran, who moved to Buffalo in 1919. Howe attended Talladega College in Alabama and Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. He was married to the former Wilma K. Benjamin for 40 years,
Howe was an active member of St. Philip's Episcopal Church. He was an accomplished Tenor, who sang in te church choir. He also managed the St. Philip's basketball team. His other community involvement included membership in Phi Beta Kappa Fraternity, the Appomattox Club, Hamlin Park Garden Club and the Jesse Clipper VFW Post.
