Sims Howell, Jr.

HIGH POINT – Swebston Sims Howell, Jr., 88, died Monday, June 11, 2018, at Whitestone Care and Wellness Center in Greensboro. 

He was born November 19, 1929, in Birmingham, Alabama, and was the son of the late Swebston Sims Howell, Sr. and Jonnie Marguerite Fullman Howell.  At the age of 17, he joined the Navy to see the world.  He served as the Sixth Fleet Admiral’s photographer in the Mediterranean, photographing dignitaries, such as Princess Grace and Prince Ranier and the Shah of Iran.  With Navy support, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Cinema from the University of Southern California, while also balancing life with a wife and four children.  He later formed a film unit for the Chief of Naval Operations which told the Navy story through film.  In July 1970, he retired as a Lieutenant Commander after 24 years of military service. He then moved his family to High Point NC and served as Vice President of Operations at Alderman Studio, and later opened his own media production company, Filmedia.  During this time, he completed the Business Executive Program at UNC.  He enjoyed many years traveling with his friends and created many memories with his large extended family.  He was a member of St. Christopher Episcopal Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Stacia M. Howell; a sister, Diane Howell Johnson; and a brother, Joseph Howell.

Sims is survived by his wife, Imogene “Jean” West Howell, his teenage sweetheart, whom he married July 23, 2000; four children, Steven M. Howell of Winston-Salem, Susan Huffman (Bob) of Hickory, Sandra Butler (Jim) of Laurel, Maryland, and Sharon Kerner of Charlotte; two step-children, Keith Gregory Hallmark (Elizabeth) of York, PA, and Rebecca Hallmark Null of Birmingham, AL; eight grandchildren, Alexander Howell, Marlowe Howell, Jessica Huffman, Meredith Huffman Clay (Josh), John Butler, Jimmy Butler, Devon Kerner and Hannah Kerner; and one great-granddaughter, Bellamy Clay.

Services will be held 2:00 PM Monday, June 18, 2018, at St Christopher’s Episcopal Church. Immediately following the service, the family will receive visitors in the Parish Hall.  Interment services will be at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family online on Sims’ tribute page at www.cumbyfuneral.com.

Cumby Family Funeral Service in High Point is serving the Howell family.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in High Point.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Sims Howell, Jr., please visit our Tree Store.