Search by Name

Search by Name

James Howell

1928 - 2019

James Howell obituary, 1928-2019, Palo Alto, CA

James Howell Obituary

James Howell
Mar. 6, 1928-Mar. 29, 2019
Palo Alto
Professor James "Jim" E. Howell, 91, passed away on March 29, 2019, in Palo Alto after a short illness. Jim was born in 1928 in Sterling, Colorado, to James and Lois (Brown) Howell. He graduated from high school in San Francisco and spent several years in the Armed Forces. He graduated in 1950 from Fresno State College, received a master's degree from University of Illinois in 1951, and his doctorate in economics from Yale University in 1955. He joined the faculty at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business in 1958, where he served for 60 years.

Jim married Penny (Leinbach) in 1965, and they had one child; he had three children from a previous marriage. Jim and Penny enjoyed traveling; their house in Santa Fe; fishing; opera; and the Giants.

Jim is survived by his wife, four children, and seven grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to an educational foundation or organization of your choice. A celebration of life will be held.


View the online memorial for James Howell

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Apr. 12, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for James Howell

Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.

Not sure what to say?





April 10, 2019

My deepest sympathy to Mr. Howell's family and friends. Take as much time as you need to cope with your grief and always look to God, 'who loves us', for "everlasting comfort". (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17)

A. L.

April 9, 2019

May the bereaved family be comforted by looking forward to Jesus' promise of seeing your dear loved one again. John 6:40.

April 9, 2019

I am so sorry for your loss. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn," strengthen you during this difficult time. Isaiah 61:1, 2.

April 9, 2019

Im so sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences go out with your family. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn," strengthen you during this difficult time. Isaiah 61:1, 2. And May the beautiful hope of everlasting life give you comfort. -1 John 17:30

April 9, 2019

Our Heavenly Father has given us a life span of 70-80 years if we are especially strong. May you celebrate a life well lived and loved by many. May the words of Psalm 90:10,14 bring comfort to the family.*

April 9, 2019

My deepest condolences are with the family and friends during this difficult time. May the comfort from our loving God bring peace and warmth. Continue to cherish the wonderful memories. (Jeremiah 29:11 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17.)

April 9, 2019

I'm so sorry for your loss. May prayer comfort you in this time of grief. 1 Thessalonians 5: 17 "pray constantly"

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results

Make a Donation
in James Howell's name

Memorial Events
for James Howell

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Howell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more