Bobby “Jack” Howell, age 65, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family. He courageously fought his battle with colon cancer for over a year before Jesus called him to his forever home.
Jack was born on September 11, 1953 in Dallas, TX to the late Edward and Mary Lou Howell. He was the third of four children Ed and Mary brought in to this world and grew up in Garland, TX. Jack was very outgoing and loved playing sports, especially football, until a 9th grade head injury prevented him from playing football again. Like the athlete he was, Jack focused his attention to playing baseball at Garland High School where eventually his senior class of ’72 team landed him in Garland ISD’s High School Sports Hall of Fame.
After graduating high school as a Garland Owl, Jack continued his love for baseball at Stephen F. Austin and years following through playing and coaching teams at First United Methodist of Garland. Back at home, he enjoyed being on the water whether it was swimming, fishing, showing off his water ski skills and selling boats.
Fast forward to 1978 which was a big year in Jack’s life for two main reasons. He began his 40 year career on October 5th at Earle M. Jorgensen or better known as EMJ in the warehouse in downtown Dallas. Jack was a dedicated and passionate employee who worked his way up the corporate latter to Senior of Outside Sales. He was a leader within the company who connected with his clients and built lasting relationships with his coworkers. He appreciated the history of EMJ and knew that being at one company for 40 years is a rarity this day and age and took much pride in claiming his commitment there.
More importantly 1978 held much significance because he married the love of his life, Jerilyn Johnson, on August 5th where he and Jerilyn would be married for the next 40 years. Of course he had known Jerilyn growing up since one of his best friends was Larry Johnson, Jerilyn’s older brother so Jack was already a familiar face to her family. Jack and Jerilyn welcomed their first daughter, Jenny, on May 5th and almost three years later welcomed their second daughter, Jessica, on April 12th. The four of them shared an extremely special bond together. Jack always protected his girls and was a gentle caretaker throughout the years. He lived for his girls, supporting their paths and championing for their happiness. If you knew Jack then you knew he was at his happiest when his girls were happy.
He was steadfast in his faith, a history buff, an avid golfer, loved the beach and took pride in taking care of things, like his home, yard, cars and the pool where so many fun memories were made. But his true passion in life was loving his family and friends. Jack could walk in to a crowded room not knowing anyone and by the time he left he had a room full of friends. With his infectious smile and personality plus, Jack left a lasting impression on many hearts making him hard to forget.
Jack is survived by his wife, Jerilyn, their daughters and son-in-laws Jenny and Brent Masters, Jessica and Alex Quinonez and grandsons Landon and Luke Masters and Brooks and Evan Quinonez; his three siblings and their spouses Bill and Maxie Howell, Sherry and Jerry Boyd, Jimmy and Charleen Howell and the many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews- all of which he loved deeply.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to First United Methodist Church in Garland at www.fumcgarland.org, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or the North Texas Food Bank at www.ntfb.org.
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