James Howell

James E. Howell Jr. left this life and entered into eternal rest in the loving arms of his Heavenly Father April 25, 2010, at his residence. His family and friends comfort in knowing that he is now pain-free and rejoicing at the feet of Jesus. A celebration of his life will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 28, at Pecan Grove Funeral Home with Pastors Cary Killough and Harvey Snider officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. The family will receive visitors 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. A video of his life will be shown during the visitation.
James was born in Groesbeck May 13, 1938, to Emmett and Katie (Curry) Howell. He was raised by his step-mother, Viola Grace Howell. He attended Hewitt Elementary, Bosqueville Elementary, West Junior High and graduated from Waco High in 1956. He also attended Baylor University. He married the love of his life, Charlene Marie Braswell, April 20, 1957, at Bellmead First Baptist Church. James was owner of Waco Spring & Brake. He retired in 2001, after a debilitating stroke. Throughout the last nine years, he kept his sense of humor and sweet spirit. He loved, and was loved, by his family and his friends, and was famous for giving many of them nicknames. He was known by many names, J.E., Jim, Emmett, Lightin', Jamie, Herman, Uncle Frisky, Bubba, the Sheriff, Paw-Paw, Poppa and Grandpa. James was a long-time member of Meadowbrook Baptist Church, Fidelis Masonic Lodge #1127, Karem Shrine, NRA, Meadowbrook Neighborhood Association, serving as its first President, Citizens on Patrol, and was a graduate of the Citizens Police Academy. He enjoyed deer hunting with his son, Mark, and friends and spent many weekends at the deer lease. He enjoyed camping and boating with family and friends. He sang with the Good Time Gospel Quartet for several years. Time may bring many changes to our lives, but through the years, some things last and grow even more precious like the special joy of having James as a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Mildred Stevens, Mary Kate Rasco, Mona Stanberry and Melba Capps; parents-in-law, Jim and Martha Braswell; sister-in-law, Barbara Muhlman; brother-in-law, Jimmie Braswell; and two very dear friends, Mabry Brown and Gary Coleman.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Charlene; son, Mark; daughter, Lisa and husband, Gary Koets, of Longmont, Colo.; the joy of his life, grandchildren, Matt, Karissa and Anna; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; and his beloved dachshund, Brandi.
The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers, Marie Cook, Betty Sutton, Debbie Permenter and Karmine Skains for the love and care they provided for James and for our family over the past eight years. We also appreciate Dr. Edward Cooney and the staff of the S&W Hewitt Clinic.