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James Lee Howell, 71, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 30th at his home in Ingram, TX. He was surrounded by his family when he entered the Lord's arms. \r\n\r\nJames was born on August 16th, 1945 in Houston, TX to Casimiro and Carmen Howell. He graduated from Mercedes High School in 1963. On May 29th, 1965, he married the love of this life, Regina Martinez Howell. He was employed by Southwestern Bell in 1967 and worked as a Communications Technician for 37 years. James also served as an officer for the Communication Workers of America Local 6229. He enjoyed the outdoors and spending time with his grandchildren at his ranch "La Vida Linda" in Sisterdale, TX. James gave back to the community by coaching girls' American Little League softball for 15 years. He was the first coach in the Rio Grande Valley to take a girls' team to the State Championship. Most importantly, he loved reading and sharing God's word. James loved the Lord and freely expressed his love to everyone he encountered. James was a loving and involved father and mentor to many. He will always be remembered by his children for the individual time he dedicated to each of them throughout their lives. \r\n \r\nHe was preceded in death by his parents, Casimiro and Carmen Howell; and brother, Oscar Howell.\r\n \r\nHe is survived by his wife of 52 years, Regina Howell; by his daughters, Karen married to Charles Rightmer, Shirley married to Rene Mariscal, Kim married to Mark Meek; son James Lee Howell Jr. married to Karen Lynn; nine grandchildren, Jessica, Kelsey, Caleb, Noah, Gabby, Savannah, James III, Shayna, Sarah; two great-grandchildren, Emerson Rose, Guy Cameron; and his brother, Eddie Howell of Mercedes, TX. \r\n \r\nA celebration of James' life will be held at 4:00 pm on Wednesday August, 16th at Rio Life Community Church at 1112 S. Rio Rico Road, Mercedes, TX 78570.\r\n