James Howell

James, “Jake” Howell, 84, formerly of Buckhorn Drive, Washington, NJ, died Friday, October 9, 2009 at the Colonnade of Schwenksville, PA where he had been a resident for a short time. Jake was the loving husband of the Margaret “Marge” (Carroll) Howell. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in June of this year. Born in Rockaway Township, NJ, he was a son of the late Francis J. and Mary A. (Poppa) Howell. Jake served honorable in the Army Air Corps during WWII in the European Theater earning a European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon w/3 Bronze Stars and an Air Medal w/3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters. He was a member of the 381 Bombardment Group, 533rd Squadron. He was also a member of the 8th Air Force Historical Society and Museum after the war. Jake was a switchman for NJ Bell Telephone Co. and an Executive Board Member of Local 827, Telephone Workers Union representing the Northern Division of NJ. He was awarded the Theodore N. Vale4 Medal during his time with NJ Bell for rescuing a young boy injured while swimming in Phillipsburg. He worked at MA Bell for 38 years. Jake was an active Board Member of the Boy Scouts in Washington, NJ for many years. He was also a member in good standing with the United Methodist Church of the Borough and a past chairman of the Sunday School. He was also a past president of the Telcom Pioneers, H.G. McCully Chapter of Verizon Telephone Company in Warren, NJ. Survivors: In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Glenn and his wife, Kathi, of Hope, NJ; daughters: Amie, wife of Richard Ficzko of Wirtz, VA; Dale, wife of Keith Kleinbach of Pennsburg, PA; and Margo, wife of Mark Niewodowski of Trussville, AL; sister-in-law, Ruth of Randolph, NJ; 9 grandchildren, Brent, Justin, Megan, Erin, Mark Jr., James, Amanda, Amy, and Joshua; and 5 great grandchildren, Allie, Rachael, Jacob, Ryan, and Nathaniel. He was pre-deceased by grandsons, Glenn, Jr. and Scott; brothers, Frederick, Harry, Russell, Kenneth, and George; and sister, Mary (Howell) Wasdyke Services: Memorial Services at 11am, Friday, October 23 at the United Methodist Church, 116 E. Washington Ave., Washington, NJ 07882. Contributions: to the church.