James was born in Montgomery,
Alabama on June 18, 1945 to Daniel Jackson Powell and Margaret Haygood
Powell. The Powell family moved to the
Orlando area when James was very young and he attended Lake Como Elementary, Lake
Silver Elementary, Robert E. Lee Jr. High and graduated from Edgewater High
School in 1963.
He worked for his Dad in the moving
and storage business while attending Orlando Junior College. James "Jim" worked in the
electrical supply industry for over 50 years.
James served in the United States Army Reserve from 1966 to 1972.
James married the love of his life,
Beverly Bilbray, on October 1, 1966.
They settled in the Pine Hills area, where they joined Pine Hills
Baptist Church in 1973. They lived in
this area for 53 years and moved to Ocoee two years ago.
James was a faithful member of Church
at the Cross for 48 years. He served as
an ordained deacon, children's bus driver, Sunday school teacher and Building
committee member. James was very
instrumental in the purchase of the church property on Good Homes Road. He was very involved with Pine Hills
Christian Academy, where his two sons attended school.
James had an amazing "green
thumb." He loved working in the yard,
in his beautiful flower gardens and has passed this love onto his
granddaughters.
James is survived by his cherished
wife of 55 years, Beverly Powell; son, Jeff and wife Cirene Powell and two
beloved granddaughters, Emilia and Camila.
James was predeceased by a son, Timothy Powell, leaving his wife Amanda
Powell and grandson Bryant. He also
leaves behind a brother, George and wife Marsha Powell of Lake Mary, FL; a sister,
Margaret Foss of St. Augustine, FL and several nieces and nephews. James was predeceased by his oldest brother
Jack Powell of Lake Lure, NC.
A memorial service will be held at Church of the Cross on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at 11:00 am. The church is located at 700 Good Homes Road, Orlando Florida 32818.