James Howard McDowell

   James Howard McDowell, 92, of Cromwell, CT, a former Portsmouth resident, passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Masonicare at Greenridge Place in Rocky Hill, CT. He was born in South Shore, KY, on November 8, 1933, to the late William Morton and Emily Susan Barker McDowell.

   A 1952 graduate of the former McKell High School, Jim was a Christian and had worked at the former Williams Manufacturing Co., and as a switchman at Empire-Detroit Steel Corp. until its closure. He then worked as a corrections officer at Southern Ohio Correctional Facility, from where he eventually retired.

   He served in the Army during the Korean War and was awarded a Marksman (Rifle) ribbon.

   On February 15, 1958, Jim married Charlene Sue Kates McDowell in Portsmouth. The couple had been married for 53 years at the time of her passing on March 10, 2011.

   Surviving is his daughter, Susan Lynn McDowell, with whom he made his home; a sister, Wilma Bending of McDermott; two grandsons, Kyle (Beth Russo) Grundhoffer of Wallingford, CT, and Andrew (Kelli) Grundhoffer of Albuquerque, NM.

   Also preceding Jim in death were five siblings, Joseph, Roy and William Troy McDowell, Eva Duncan, and Ella Conley.

   Funeral services will be held at 1 P.M. on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth with Rev. Danny Blevins officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Burial Park with military rites provided by the James Dickey Post #23 American Legion Honor Guard.

   The family will receive friends from 11 A.M. until the funeral hour on Wednesday at the funeral home, where the flag of the U.S. Army will fly in honor of Mr. McDowell’s service to our country.

   Online condolences may be shared at RalphFScott.com.

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