Senate Democratic Leader Kirt comments on passing of Sen. James Howell

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt issued the following statement honoring former state Sen. James Howell, D-Midwest City, who passed Tuesday at the age of 91. Howell represented Senate District 42 from 1970 until 1986.

“Senator Howell dedicated his life to public service and in support of education. He started his career as a teacher and coach, then earned his law degree from the University of Oklahoma. He also served as a city judge, and for more than 20 years, he was an attorney for Mid-Del Public Schools. In the Senate, he chaired the Senate Education Committee for 12 years, and championed legislation for gifted and talented students, as well as the constitutional amendment that created Oklahoma’s Rainy Day Fund, which continues to provide a backstop for our services to Oklahomans. Rose State’s transition from a junior college to a state college was also thanks to the efforts of Senator Howell.

“Senator Howell’s public service continued even after he left the Legislature, serving as a regent for Rose State as well as serving on the Mid-Del School board. I’m grateful for his dedication and service to his community, to the state of Oklahoma, and for his decades-long support of education. He’s left a lasting legacy through his service, and on behalf of my fellow members, we want to express our condolences to his family for their loss.” – Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City.

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CUTLINE: Sen. James Howell, D-Midwest City, served in the Oklahoma Senate from 1970 to 1986.

For more information, contact: 
Sen. Julia Kirt at 405-521-5636 or Julia.Kirt@oksenate.gov