Lansing

 

James Ward Delaney Howell Sr., 83, of Lansing, New York, passed away on Wednesday, June 23, 2010.  He was born on June 25th, 1926 in Ludlowville, NY in what is now know as the Federal House Bed and Breakfast Inn, son of the late C. Ward Howell and Matilda Meyers Howell.

Much of his youth was spent growing up in Ludlowville and on the Emmons Road  farm in Lansing.  He worked briefly at NCR before enlisting in the US Navy in November 1944.  He served at Sampson Naval Training Center, where he was the Honor Man for his Company 213.  He then served as an Aviator Electrician Mate at Jacksonville Air Base. He was next stationed in Corvallis, OR before being deployed to Oahu, HI.  He was honorably discharged from the Navy on July 2, 1946. 

 

Upon his return to Lansing, he married M. Phyllis Bowman in Sept. 1946. 

 

James was accepted into Cornell University, which he attended in 1946. He was then employed as and electrician at International Salt Company in Myers, NY and at Cornell University.  In 1967 he became Superintendent of Water for the Town of Lansing.   From 1981 until his retirement in 1991 he became known as the “guru” of water and sewer for the Village of Lansing.

 

He was very active in the community as a Former Boy Scout Councilman, Past President of the Lansing PTA, Founding Member and former President of the Lansing Lions Club, where he was active for almost 50 years.  He was presented the Melvin Jones Fellows Award in 2008 by the Lansing Lions Club in recognition of his contributions and service to the community.  James became a member of the Sampson “Salts” - WWII Navy Vets and stayed in touch with the group his entire life until their final meeting in Sept. 2008.  The group created the Sampson WWII Navy Museum located at Sampson Park in Romulus, NY.

 

James was an avid sports fan, actively supporting all Lansing sport teams as well as Syracuse and Cornell University teams.

He was inducted into the Lansing High School Hall of Fame as a member of the class of 1944 undefeated Basketball team.

 

Jim and Phyllis spent many years of their retirement enjoying Cayuga Lake and traveling – they have visited numerous countries in Europe and went to Egypt to visit the Pyramids – a lifelong dream.  They traveled across the country with their lifelong best friends Jim and Eva Sweazey in their motor homes, visiting every state in U. S. - including Alaska and Hawaii.  Jim Sweazy has pre-deceased James - the “best friends” are together again now (perhaps resulting in the 5.5 Earthquake).

 

James is survived by the loves of his life and proudest accomplishments – his wife of almost 64 years - Phyllis, his four sons and daughter-in-laws, Bill and Marcy Howell of Alpharetta, GA, Don and Judy Howell of Ludlowville, NY, Dave and Sherri Howell of Monroe, NC and Jim and Bonnie Howell of Montour Falls, NY; his 8 grandchildren, Debra and Sullam Chevall, Michael and Cynthia Howell, Ben and Kerry Howell, Jeff (Becky Sheffield) Howell , Carolyn and Brian August, Kate (H. Scott McCann) Howell and Michael and Katrina Stevens and Tyler Stevens;  7 great-grandchildren; many special nieces and nephews; as well as numerous favorite family pets.

 

He will be greatly missed by extended family, numerous friends, Lansing Sports teams and numerous folks who he has provided a helping hand with a project to fix or repair. Jim was a friend to all, and to all a friend.

 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of James Howell may be directed to the Lansing Lions Club, PO Box 82, Lansing, NY 14882, the Lansing Sports Boosters or a charity of your choice.

 

Family will be present to receive friends on Sunday, June 27 from 5-7 pm at Lansing United Methodist Church, 32 Brickyard Rd., Lansing, NY.  A memorial service, officiated by Pastor Jane Sautter, will begin at 7pm at the church.

Lansing Funeral Home is assisting the family.