James Heston Emory Harrell, lovingly known as Tod, passed away unexpectedly on August 15, 2026, at the age of 53, due to a sudden acute heart condition. His passing came far too soon and has left a tremendous emptiness in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Tod was born on August 23, 1972, in San Diego, California, and spent his childhood growing up in Ocean Beach. He graduated from Point Loma High School in 1992. Ocean Beach was always home to Tod, and many of his favorite memories were rooted in the people, places, and adventures that made this community special to him.

Tod was a beloved father, son, brother, uncle, great-uncle, and friend. He was the kind of person who never hesitated to lend a helping hand. If someone needed him, he was always there. He gave of himself generously, often putting others needs before his own.

Known as a true gentle giant, Tod had a quiet strength about him. He didn't want to be the center of attention. His actions spoke for him. He was kind, patient, generous, and dependable, and the people who knew him knew they could count on him.

Tod shared a very special bond with his mother, Deborah, and was a deeply devoted son to her throughout her life. He cared for her deeply, and her passing just one year before his own was a tremendous loss. Their bond was one that went far beyond words. Those who knew them could see how much they meant to one another, and there is comfort in knowing that they are together again.

Tod had an extraordinary gift for working with his hands. He was a master woodworker, an accomplished mechanic, and a skilled slot machine technician. There seemed to be very little he couldn't figure out, fix, or build. He could look at something complicated and somehow find a way to make it work. Whether repairing something, building something from scratch, or teaching someone how to do it themselves, he approached everything with patience, creativity, and determination.

But Tod's life was about much more than the things he could build. He loved adventure, the outdoors, and spending time with his family. He enjoyed skateboarding, bike riding, surfing, hunting, fishing, skiing, four-wheeling, and collecting RC cars and boats. He made memories with his family in Glamis, Lake Tahoe, and Hawaii, creating the kind of moments that stay with a family forever.

He loved being outdoors, trying new things, and sharing his knowledge and passions with the people around him. Many of the memories his family will treasure most are the simple ones—the time spent together, the adventures, the laughter, and knowing that Tod was there.

Tod leaves behind his daughter, Sofia Goncalves-Harrell, who will carry her father's love with her. He is also survived by his brother; Joe Arnold and his sisters; Cuppy Arnold, Katharine Byrom, and Kerri Byrom-Knutzen (husband Walter) as well as seven nieces, one nephew, and one great-niece. His family will forever remember his generosity, his willingness to help, his quiet sense of strength, and the love he showed in his own special way.

Tod was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Deborah FrankByrom and his stepfather, Lee Byrom.

Although Tod's life was far too short, the mark he left on the people around him will last a lifetime. His legacy isn't only found in the beautiful things he built with his hands. It lives in the people he helped, the knowledge he shared, the adventures he took, the memories he created, and most of all, in the love he gave to his family.

There will never be another Tod. He was one of a kind—a gentle giant with a generous heart, a talented craftsman, an adventurer, a devoted son, and a loving father, brother, uncle, and friend.

He will be missed more than words can express, but he will never be forgotten. His family and friends will carry his memory with them, keep telling his stories, and hold close all the moments they were lucky enough to share with him.

A Memorial/Celebration of Life will be held on October 4, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bali Hai Restaurant.