James Howell

Mr. James Edward Howell, 95, of Linden, passed away Friday January 17, 2025. James was born on January 9, 1930 to the late George Stephen Howell and Mary Ann Tune Howell of Clifton, Tn. He developed his love of the outdoors early while spending his youth farming, hunting and fishing. He met Nellie Darlos Smith, the love of his life while attending Linden High School. James decided he wanted to marry and make a life with Darlos but like many men of the south in that period, he needed to move North to find gainful employment. Upon leaving Tennessee James elicited a promise from Darlos that she would await his return. 

In Detroit, James took on two full-time jobs in the steel and automotive industries in order to raise enough money to mail Darlos her engagement ring to keep her "interested" in him. James returned home while on Lay-Off status and he and Darlos were married on November 3, 1948. After moving his sweetie "up-North", James decided that the ups and downs of the car industry were not for him and he began his career with the Detroit Police Department in 1955. While employed as a police officer, James experienced a totally different environment from that which he grew up in, dealing with rampant crime, drugs and rioting during the 1967 Detroit Riots. Also during this time James and Darlos raised a family of three boys (Larry, Keith, Steve) and one daughter (Michele). James reached the rank of Sergeant in the police department before retiring in 1980.

Immediately upon retirement they moved back South to the area he loved and again began farming, hunting and fishing. James spent the rest of his life with Darlos on Cedar Creek. They are both members of the Linden Goshen Primitive Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents he is also preceded in death by a son Keith Howell, daughter-in-law Charmaine Howell and siblings Clyde Howell, Vesta Howell Lineberry, Gladys Howell Paschall, Clifford Howell and Lou Howell Graves.

Survivors include his wife of 76 years Darlos Smith Howell, sons Larry Howell of Crane Hill, Alabama and Steve (Susie) Howell of Macomb, Michigan, a daughter Michele (Kevin) Phillips of Hickory Creek, Texas, 9 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and a host of other loving family members and many friends.

The World lost and Heaven gained a good and honorable man with James's passing.

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