James "Jimmy" Howell Abel

James "Jimmy" Howell Abel, 64, of Decatur, passed away on Friday, September 26, 2025. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Rollertime Skating Rink, 707 Arcadia Cir NW, Huntsville, AL 35801, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM with Robert Gaulin officiating.

Jimmy was a lifelong lover of music and a beloved DJ for more than 50 years. He brought joy to countless skating rinks across Tennessee Valley, filled dance floors at weddings, and set the mood for school dances with his unforgettable sound. His passion was infectious, his personality magnetic, and his smooth, captivating voice on the microphone left a lasting impression on everyone who heard it.

Jimmy retired from BASF (formerly Engelhard) Chemical in Huntsville after 30 years of dedicated service. Outside of work, his love for Auburn football, and all Auburn sports, ran deep. If the Tigers were playing, you could be sure Jimmy was watching, a tradition he proudly passed on to his children.

A true enthusiast of life, Jimmy embraced both the highs and the lows with a joyful spirit. He played baseball in a senior men’s league, traveling across the Southeast for tournaments and sharing his passion for the game with teammates and friends. On wheels, he was a maestro of the skating floor, gliding across rinks from Florida to California alongside family, friends, and his beloved Bama Jama Skate Crew.

Above all, Jimmy’s greatest pride and joy were his family. He adored his wife, children and grandchildren, and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for them. Every moment spent with them was a treasure to him. Jimmy was the greatest husband, father, grandfather, and friend anyone could hope for, and he will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know him.