James Howell, a retired correctional officer, passed away Feb. 17, 2026. He worked for the department for 15 years.

Howell began his career with the department as a cadet in April 1987.
After graduating the Basic Correctional Officer Academy, he reported to Sierra Conservation Center in Jamestown.
He retired in April 2002 as a correctional officer.
“James will be missed and remembered by his family, friends, and coworkers,” according to the institution.
Details regarding services are not yet available.
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.
Read more tributes to staff and retirees who have passed away.
Related content
Angel Freeman, retired correctional officer
Angel Leigh Freeman, a retired correctional officer, passed away March 5, 2026. She served as a correctional officer for the…
Rafael Medina, retired correctional supervising cook
Rafael Medina, a retired correctional supervising cook, passed away Feb. 27, 2026. He began his career with the department in…
James Howell, retired correctional officer
James Howell, a retired correctional officer, passed away Feb. 17, 2026. He worked for the department for 15 years. Howell…
Sharon Wilson, retired correctional case records analyst
Sharon Wilson, a retired correctional case records analyst from Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD), passed away Jan. 31, 2026.…
CCI mourns passing of Kristi Vivian
Kristi Vivian, a substance abuse counselor at California Correctional Institution (CCI), passed away Feb. 20, 2026. She began her career…
Shaneil Hubbard, retired correctional officer
Shaneil Hubbard, a retired correctional officer from California Institution for Women in Corona, passed away Feb. 19, 2026. She worked…