James Henry Colwell

James Henry Colwell, 82 of Abilene, passed away at his home on Friday, September 16, 2016. A visitation with the family will be Sunday, September 18, 2016 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut Street. A graveside service will be held on Monday, September 19, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Noxville Cemetery, just off CR 479 in Kimble County, approximately 21 miles east of Junction.

James was born in Lockhart, Texas on June 24, 1934 to Arthur and Alma Davis Colwell. After graduating high school James joined the army, serving his country for 4 years and then returning to Texas. He married Barbara Darlyn Lennon on July 15, 1961, and they lived in Austin for 15 years before moving to Harper in 1973. There, James worked as a builder and carpenter, both self-employed and for the Harper ISD. He was also active in his church and community, on the Noxville Cemetery board, and a long-time deacon at Harper First Baptist Church. In 2014, James and his wife Barbara moved to Abilene to be closer to family. In Abilene, he was a member of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church and a faithful volunteer at the Abilene Baptist Association Food Pantry.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Alma Colwell; two sisters, Elizabeth Williams and Eleanor Williams, and a brother, Bruce Colwell. He is survived by Barbara, his wife of 55 years; son David Colwell and wife Betsy, and granddaughters Emily and Megan of Abilene; brother Joe Colwell; sister-in-law Mary Lou Colwell; sister-in-law Betty Joy Friedrich; sister-in-law Joan Lennon; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in James’ name to the charity of your choice.

Condolences can be made online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.