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 switch man 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.
Arrangements are pending at this time.
