James L. "Jim" Howell, Jr.

James Lewis “Jim” Howell, Jr., age 84 of Shelby, passed away on Monday, November 4, 2024 at Crestwood Care. He was born on March 4, 1940, in Mansfield to the late James Howell, Sr., and Ruby (Lewis) Howell, and on July 20, 1974, he married the love of his life, Lynn Ann (Kistler).

Jim worked as an electrician for most of his life, and he held a variety of positions along the way. He worked most recently for Perrysville Pottery as the head of maintenance, and he also spent time as a lineman for the City of Hull in Massachusetts and as an electrician for ProLith National Machine. He was known for his superior work ethic. He never stopped if there was work to do, and even with an artificial leg, nothing could ever stop him. He also proudly served his country in the United States Navy, where he served as a cook and a barber.

Alongside a strong work ethic, Jim held a very strong faith. He enjoyed spending his time studying the Bible and discussing his studies with anyone and everyone. He also enjoyed fishing, NASCAR races, and watching the Browns and Indians, as well as camping, casinos, and traveling. He and his family took a trip to Massachusetts to visit family every year, and they often traveled to Lake Erie and Panama City Beach.

Above all else, he was a family man. His orneriness, sense of humor, and endless love combined to create an incredible father. His children will always treasure the wonderful memories he created for them and the deep love for the Lord he helped to foster in them along the way. He will also be remembered for the poems he wrote for the people he loved and his ability to fix anything and everything. He left a lasting impact on his family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of meeting him, and he will be dearly missed.

Jim is survived by his children Cheryl Babcock, Julia (Trevor) Hawk, Kasey (Tom) McNeely, and Robert (Susan) Dent; his sister Judy Bundy; his grandchildren Katelyn Stacy, Zachary Zeiter, Erica (Tanner) Gerngross, Michael Dent, Mary Dent, Tyler (Chelsea) McNeely, Cody McNeely, Leea (Sergio) Iannino, and Ed (Rachel Reider) Babcock; and his great-grandchildren Jackson, Abigail, Casen, Clay, Oaklee, Cash, Sergie, Catarina, and baby Tucker, due on March 1st.

He was preceded in death by his wife Lynn Howell; his parents James and Ruby; his sons James Howell and Michael McCafferty; his grandson Dustin McNeely; his brother Robert Howell; his sisters Shirley Harsh and Sandy Summers; his brothers-in-law James Harsh and Guy Bundy; and his beloved teacup Yorkie Raggs.

Family and friends may gather to honor Jim’s memory on Monday, November 11, 2024 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Werner Gompf Funeral Services, 1106 Park Ave. E., Mansfield.

Werner-Gompf Funeral Services, ltd, 1106 Park Avenue East, Mansfield, is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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