Former State Sen. James Howell dies
Former State Sen. Jim Howell passed away Tuesday, April 14 at age 91. Photo provided
Former state Sen. James Howell, a longtime educator, attorney and public servant, died Tuesday morning. He was 91.
Howell, who grew up in Wewoka, began his career as a teacher and coach before earning his law degree from the University of Oklahoma. He later served as a city judge and spent more than two decades as attorney for Mid-Del Public Schools.
A Democrat, Howell represented District 42 in the Oklahoma State Senate from 1970 to 1986. During his tenure, he chaired the Senate Education Committee for 12 years and authored early legislation supporting gifted and talented students. He also played a key role in establishing the state’s Rainy Day Fund through a constitutional amendment.
Howell also led efforts to transition Rose State College from a junior college to a state college, a move that significantly increased its annual state funding.
Following his legislative service, Howell remained active in the community, serving on the Rose State College Board of Regents and the Mid-Del School Board. He was also a senior partner at a Midwest City law firm alongside his son, David F. Howell.
He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church Midwest City and the Midwest City Rotary Club. His favorite coffee shop, The Underground Coffee, located across the street from his law office, features a French vanilla mocha named in his honor called the “Jim Howell Special.”
He and his wife, Diann had their three children, David, Mark and Cheryl.
Very nice story. One measure forgotten by many, which had an enormous impact: Howell (from the Senate side) — along with MWC representative David Craighead) (from the House side) — co-authored the state legislation to establish the organ donor check off on state drivers licenses back in the mid-70s. Considered very progressive and helped move forward the idea of organ donation when many were reluctant to consider it.##
My junior Sunday school teacher. It was during that time we discovered that we shared a middle name. He said he had never seen anybody other than his father with that middle name, which was also my situation.
He could control the room but in a quiet dignified way.
God bless you Mr.Howell