On Sunday, March 17, 2019, James Milton Howell, loving husband, friend, grandfather and father to Debbie Howell-Wells, passed away at the age of 96. James was born on July 18, 1922 in Brownwood, TX to Jessie and Zena Howell.
James was active in United States Marine Corps during World War II. Later he served as a flight instructor at the Naval Air Station and also worked in the restaurant business in Corpus Christi, Texas owning several restaurants, including Boatners. He and his wife, Doris, moved to Austin, Texas to open Donn’s BBQ around 1980. Hoyt Byrd, his lifelong friend, also served as the builder for the business projects. James enjoyed opening and operating three restaurants where he worked seven days a week until he was 93 years old. He and his restaurants were loved and appreciated by the Oak Hill Community. He graduated from Texas Tech University in 1948 and was an avid Red Raider’s fan and later an avid Cowboy’s fan. He recently resided at Ledgestone Assisted living where made many friends.
Along with his business endeavors, he loved his family and friends and was lovingly known as “Big Dad”. He was a caring and loving Husband,Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather. James will be remembered for his kindness, generosity and compassionate spirit and will be greatly missed.
James was preceded in death by his wife, Doris, his mother and father, Zena and Jessie. He is survived by his daughter, Debbie, his grandchildren, Emily, Marci and Tyler, his great grand-children, Amelia, Caroline, James and William. He is also survived by his sister Ruby Hill and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to the Wounded Warriors Project.
A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, March 22, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park in Austin, Texas.
