Deacon James B. Howell

James B. Howell was born on October 24, 1935, in Jasper, Florida to the late LM and Bessie Howell. He graduated from J.R.E. Lee High School. In 1956, he relocated to Jacksonville, Florida. His longest and most dedicated tenure of employment was with ST Services formerly known as Steuart Petroleum Company. He retired December 31st, 2001. James lived a life marked by faith, family, hard work, and unwavering devotion.

James was a treasured husband of 65 years to his beloved wife, Gloria Howell, his queen, confidante, and best friend. He took joy in spoiling her with the finest gifts. To their union were born six children. Together, they built a home overflowing with love, discipline, warmth, and Christian values. Their marriage stood as a shining example of commitment, an unbroken bond shaped by prayer, teamwork, and mutual respect. They created a foundation that their children and grandchildren continue to stand on.

A servant of God, a provider, a self-taught carpenter who mastered his craft with hands on experience, a runner, and one who worked in more roles than can be spoken of. He was Our Hero a true "Iron Man" simply amazing. He accepted Christ at an early age. In his many years of service to the Lord, he served faithfully in various roles in the body of Christ as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, choir member, trustee, treasurer. He was also a Scout Master of Troop #44. He continued to dutifully serve at Emanuel Missionary Baptist Church. His faith was the anchor of his life. James's steps were guided by scripture, and he often reminded others through both words and example that's God's grace is sufficient for every season.

James was a man that set goals and had a plan to achieve them. He always demonstrated his remarkable physical health. As an avid runner for 18 years in the Gate River Run perseverance lived inside his bones. Even as time slowed, he kept moving forward "still running his race" until the Lord called him home on November 28th, 2025.

He was a devoted father and loved each son and daughter equally and deeply. He modeled what true fatherhood looks like; firm but gentle, wise, humble, dependable, and selfless. He was a devoted grandfather, great grandfather, with a quiet strength in his community. He lived with purpose until his final days.

James was preceded in death by his parents LM and Bessie Howell, grandsons LeZerick R. Williams and Jeramy Lynah; great-grandson Miguel Watson, Jr., and daughter-in-law, Janice Riley Howell.

James leaves behind his loving and faithful wife Gloria; children: Tarone Williams (Harriet), Donna "Renee" Stewart, Andre Howell, Marcia Smith (Lorenzo), Sharon Robinson (Kenneth) Belinda "Gail" Huggins (William), and Rhonda Brown; siblings: Lewis J. Howell (Margaret), Delmon Howell, Dessie Howell, and Blanche Dowdell.

He was blessed with many grandchildren that brought joy to his life: Terrance Howell, Tre'Vaughn Robinson, James Howell, Garry Stewart (Jasmine), Darius Brown, Vashaughn Robinson, Darrick Holmes ( Shirley), Jasmine Howell, Aviance Pierce (Javonte), Kenyaughna Sessions (Steven); great-grandchildren: Devon Gordon, Jr., Terrance Howell, Jr., Le'Zeriaughn Robinson, Jeramy Lynah, Jr., Khari Howell, Kashaughn Sessions, Ermias Howell, Eurasia Ewen, Yasmine McQueen, Princess Nisa Howell, Cerae' Howell, Layah
Stewart, and Kennae Glover; Goddaughter: Carron Stephens and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The Howell Family celebrates a life well-lived, a legacy well built, and a love that will never fade.

Celebration of Life
Saturday, December 6, 2025

1:30 PM
Emanuel Missionary Baptist Church
2407 SL Badger, Jr. Circle
Jacksonville, FL 32209

Interment Following Service
Saturday, December 6, 2025

Evergreen Cemetery
4535 North Main Street
Jacksonville, FL 32206

Repass Following
Friday Musicale
645 Oak Street
Jacksonville, FL 32204