James Howell, "Jim" "Reno", age 76 of Dayton, Ohio, passed away Wednesday July 17. He was born December 28, 1942 in Craynor, KY on Big Mud holler to a family of coal miners, the son of the late Walker and Hilma Howell.
Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers Junior and Thurman.
James is survived by his wife of 56 years, Norma; son Bryan (Betsy); daughter Shari (Willie); grandchildren Erika, Wesley and Bret; his fishing buddy and best friend of 64 years Ted Freeman; and his two hot rods, a 55 Chevy Bel Air and a 62 Impala Wagon.
His family followed Route 23 to the North out of Kentucky, just like the Dwight Yoakam song, where James spent his early childhood in Stockdale, OH before moving to Dayton. He graduated from Walter E. Stebbins High School in 1960, where he met the love of his life, his rock, his foundation, his everything – Norma. James worked at GM/Delco Moraine for 30 years before retiring in 1991.
James was a man of many passions, the primary of which were his family, cruisin in his hot rods, fishing, his beloved Kentucky Wildcats, and drinking beer with his family and friends at American Legion Post 619. He took great pride in being the designated chief-song-selector on the jukebox at the Legion (when he could muscle in ahead of Willie and Bryan). He could set the timing on a V8, jig for crappie, throw a set, roll a rabbit at full speed, be a sore loser, and cut a rug. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he was especially fond of his son-in-law Willie and daughter-in law Betsy. They remain stabilizing anchors for our family.
James will be profoundly missed by us all.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 24, 2019 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Newcomer North Chapel, 4104 Needmore Rd., Dayton, Ohio 45424. A brief visitation will also be held Thursday, July 25, 2019 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Funeral service will begin at 1:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Valley View Memorial Gardens. A Celebration of James' Life will then be held at the F.O.P. Lodge in Fairborn, 17 N. Pleasant Ave., Fairborn, OH 45324.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation to American Legion Post 619.
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