James Howell
James “Jim” Howell, 88, born November 8, 1937, passed away on March 13, 2026.
He was born in Badin, North Carolina, to Conrad and Letha Howell, and was raised in Ellerbe, North Carolina, where his family had deep roots. He grew up with a quick wit and a sense of humor that remained one of his most memorable traits throughout his life.
Jim attended St. Andrews Presbyterian College, earning his bachelor’s degree, and went on to complete a Master’s degree in Education from East Carolina University, a Master’s in Psychology from North Carolina Central University, and a Doctorate in Adult Education from North Carolina State University.
He served in the U.S. Army, including a tour of duty in Germany, where he worked as a personnel clerk in a MASH unit.
Jim devoted much of his professional life to teaching. Over his career he taught at Carolina Military Academy, Wilson Technical Institute, Nash Community College, and East Carolina University, guiding and mentoring generations of students.
His passion for acting and theater began in high school, where he starred in Arsenic and Old Lace in 11th grade and played major roles in Teen Time and Perfect Idiot during his senior year. In college, he wrote, directed, and performed in his own comedy skit and later starred in Arsenic and Old Lace and My Three Angels. He continued performing throughout his life—directing plays while teaching at Carolina Military Academy, portraying Caiaphas in Worthy Is the Lamb for 11 years, appearing in the film Love Field alongside Michelle Pfeiffer and Denzel Washington, and performing with the Richmond Theater in Send Me No Flowers and Our Town.
He is survived by his sons and their wives, Marc and Toni Howell of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Vic and Jill Howell of Salt Lake City, Utah; and by his grandchildren, Meg Howell of Raleigh, North Carolina, Gwen Hegenbotham and her husband Brodie of Durham, North Carolina, Abby Howell of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Jude Howell of Salt Lake City, Utah.
A private family service will be held.
Jim had a remarkable sense of humor and delighted in making others laugh. He never missed an opportunity for a joke or a witty comment, and his playful spirit brightened the lives of everyone who knew him. His love of teaching, storytelling, and performing reflected a life spent sharing joy, curiosity, and laughter with others.