Mr. James Justin Howell's Obituary
James Justin Howell, age 90, of Hendersonville, Tennessee passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2019. James was born on May 5, 1929 in Nashville to the late James Head Howell and Corinne Kyle Howell.
James went to Isaac Litton High School, Draughon’s Business College, ICS Correspondence School, and Hume Fogg Technical School. He was in the US Naval Reserve from 1948-1953 and he was a member of First Baptist Hendersonville.
He was a 25% owner of Visual Education Company, Incorporated from 1954-1960. He founded Allied Sound Company Inc in 1960, and merged with Visual Education Company in 1961 to form Allied Sound Visual Education Company and become one of the most prominent communication companies in the United States. In 1969 Howell co-purchased Electra Distributing Company – a regional electronics parts supplier.
Technical Industries, Inc. was formed in 1969 to incorporate all holdings and became a supplier of audio-visual, sound, and intercommunication systems, electronic parts both nationally and internationally. In 1972 Technical Industries, Inc. purchased Calhoun Company in Atlanta from the Bell and Howell Company that expanded their marketing base throughout the southeast with offices in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis, Birmingham, Atlanta, Columbia SC, and Orlando. The recession of 1980-1981 created the need to downsize and liquidate various assets until sold in 1981-1983. Electra and Allied Sound Inc. remained and operated for several years.
In 1989, Allied Audio Visual Services, Inc. was formed to become and audio-visual rental company servicing hotels, corporations, and conventions with presentation equipment and personnel needs. This company was sold in 1998 and Howell retired.
During his business years, he served on dealer advisory boards for the 3M company, Dukane Corporation, Technicolor, Panasonic, and the Bell & Howell Corporation.
James was also involved in many civic and professional organizations including: president of the Sales & Marketing Executives of Nashville, vice president of the Sales & Marketing Executives International, he was on the board of directors for Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, Nashville Jaycees, March of Dimes, National Audio Visual Association, National Electronics Industry Association, Nashville Hotel & Motel Association, Madison Suburban Utility District, Youth Incorporated , Fellowship of Christian Athletics, and the Welsey Foundation. He was chairman of the official board for Inglewood United Methodist Church, chairman for International Communication Industries Association, and was a member of the American Society of Training Directors, Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers, Bluegrass Golf and Country Club, Richland Country Club, and Nashville City Club, as well as an instructor for Indiana University Summer Audio-Visual Institute.
After marrying Mary Ruth Troupe in 1949, he joined her church, Inglewood Methodist, where they sponsored a young married couples Sunday school class. He later served the church as chairman of the official board, trustee, finance chairman, and Sunday school teacher.
After retirement in 1998, Howell headed the complete renovation of the gymnasium of the former Isaac Litton High School that was demolished in the late 70’s. The gymnasium project was completed in 2012 and now is home to the “Backfield in Motion” organization that provides educational tutoring, personal guidance, and athletic involvement in seasonal sports to approximately 150 at risk young boys.
The Inglewood Neighborhood Association and the Isaac Litton Alumni use the facilities to schedule class reunions and group meetings. The Inglewood community benefits by the adjacent Issac Litton Park and the improvements made to the property, as the gymnasium and adjacent facilities now provide a positive addition for the Inglewood community.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Mary Ruth Howell in 2017; sister Jane Elwood Howell Ralls in 2014.
He is survived by his children, Lynn (Sid) King, Steve (Lynn) Howell, and Leigh (John) Dyer; grandchildren, Matt King, Tim King, Andy King, Allison Bizwell, Ben Howell, James Howell, Mary Gwen Howell, and Jordan Dyer; and great-grandchildren, Mary Payton King, Lowell King, Alfie King, Abner King, Wyatt Bizwell, and Camilla Rye King.
A visitation will be held at Spring Hill Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 from 4-8pm, and again on Thursday, July 11, 2019 from 1-2pm, with a Celebration of Life Funeral Service beginning at 2pm. Burial in Historic Spring Hill Cemetery will follow. Spring Hill Funeral Home has been entrusted with the final care of Mr. James Howell.
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