James L. Howell Jr.

On Monday, July 14, 2025, the Lord called our beloved James Lee Howell, Jr. home. James was born February 17, 1942, in Norfolk, VA, one of three children of the late James Lee and Helena Howell.
James (Jimmy) graduated from Booker T. Washington High School of Norfolk, VA. He was a member of New Mt. Zion AME Church, Norfolk, VA, where he participated in the Men's Ministry. James worked in the food service industry for the majority of his life. Including Regino's Italian Restaurant, Wards Corner, Farm Fresh, and many other establishments, his skills were enjoyed. Obviously, James loved to cook and feed people. He was a vital member of the Betty Brown Food Pantry for over 10 years, helping sort, bag, and distribute food to the community. Several times each year, we prepared meals for our clientele; James would cook several large pans of something delicious to serve. James was a volunteer with the International Black Women's Congress (IBWC) in Norfolk, VA. James was a creative, effective fundraiser for the organizations he supported. Jimmy frequently opened his home to those in need, providing a safe haven and a positive environment. He was kind. Jimmy would often answer the phone, "Dr. James," because people sought him out to talk, discuss problems, and receive advice.
He is preceded in death by his brother, Ronnie Howell, and close friend, Johnathan "Nate" Johnson. Jimmy leaves to cherish his memory a brother, Keith Howell of Norfolk, VA; sister/cousin, Sallie Mae "Bo-Bo" Ballancier of Norfolk, VA; three nieces, Kiwanna Murphy of Norfolk, VA, Sonja and Nicky; one nephew, Lil Keith of Norfolk, VA; one great niece, Aryanna; and two great-nephews and great-nieces; cousins, James T. Holmes, Jr. (Deanna) of Chesapeake, VA, Ruverta J. Holmes of Chesapeake, VA, Bernard T. Holmes (Judy) of Chesapeake, VA, Bernadette J. Holmes of Norfolk, VA, and Dana Randolph of Norfolk, VA; a host of loving friends including; Benjamin Thomas of Norfolk, VA, Charles Williams (Eddrina) of Bronx, NY, Leon Hayes of Raleigh, NC, Donnell Williams of Norfolk, VA, Antonia Williams of Norfolk, VA, Katrina Moorehead of Bronx, NY, Wallace Mitchell of Norfolk, VA, Donna Faye of Norfolk, VA, Curtis Grey of Norfolk, VA, Bobby Williams of D.C., Rev. Kevin C. Williams, Jr. of Waldolf, MD, Albert Mitchell of Norfolk, VA, Bobby Collins of Hampton, VA, Anthony "Tee" of Norfolk, VA, Gloria Ann Johnson of Norfolk, VA, Winston Johnson of Chesapeake, VA, Tawanda Johnson of Greenville, NC, Sherry Johnson of Norfolk, VA, Bobby Johnson of D.C., Carlton Johnson and John Johnson of Harrisonburg, VA, Diane Cypress of Norfolk, and so very many more.
Viewing:
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Metropolitan Funeral Service
7246 Granby Street
Norfolk, VA
Celebration of Life:
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
10:00 AM
Metropolitan Funeral Service
7246 Granby Street
Norfolk, VA
Laid to Rest:
Roosevelt Memorial Park
1101 Campostella Road
Chesapeake, VA