James Mitchell Howell

Funeral services celebrating the life of James Mitchell Howell, 84, of Pataskala, will be held at 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 3, 2024, in the chapel of the Kirkersville home of HOSKINSON Funeral and Cremation Service. The family will receive friends on Friday from 5:00 p.m. until the time of the Funeral at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home, 285 E Main St in Kirkersville. A burial with full military honors by the Newcomerstown Veterans Honor Guard will follow on Saturday May 4, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. in the West Lawn Cemetery, Newcomerstown, Ohio. James was born September 22, 1939, in West Lafayette, Ohio, the son of the late John Hopton and Blanche Louise (Jones) Howell. James served honorably in the US Army for 20 years, during the Vietnam Era and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer. James was a highly decorated officer, being the first Warrant Officer in the history of the US Army to be appointed Company Commander, in 1975, He also worked for 20 years with ODOT as a supervisor, and 17 years for Walmart as a greeter where he was Employee of the Year. James enjoyed watching Cleveland Indians Baseball, gardening, growing good tomatoes and most especially spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. James is survived by his loving family: his wife, the former Patricia Wise, whom he married on March 3, 1958, his children John (Kathy) Howell, Brent (Beth) Howell, Tammy (Jeff) Cantrell; along with his grandchildren Aubrey (James) Shivers, Mitch (Katie) Howell, Katelyn (Joseph) Smith, D.J. Howell, Trey Howell, Haley (Logan) Morrison, Krystal (Dontae) Dunlap; along with his 13 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Richard Borden and sister-in-law Mary Howell and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Jimmy, his brothers William and John Howell and his sisters Louise Borden and Sarah Jane Watson. The family prefers that memorial contributions be directed to the OSU James Cancer Hospital. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.