James Robert Powell, the son of Virgil Lee and Anna Jean (Shanks) Powell, was born July 4, 1936, in Linneus, Missouri. He attended Tarkio High School, Tarkio, Missouri, graduating in 1954. James then attended Tarkio College, Tarkio, graduating with his Bachelor of Science degree in 1958.

On August 4, 1957, James was united in marriage to Lois Irene Craven at the First Baptist Church, Tarkio. They made their home in Tarkio and became the parents of three children, Stephen, Valerie, and Mark.

James was employed as a truck dispatcher for Earl May, Shenandoah, Iowa. He retired in 1992. He was a member of the Westboro Methodist Church, Westboro, Missouri, and Shenandoah Elks Lodge Post #1122, Shenandoah. James enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and reading. James passed away Friday, September 29, 2023, at his home in Tarkio, at the age of 87.

Besides his parents, James was preceded in death by siblings, Neil Powell and Doris Babcock; and nieces, Candace and Debra. Survivors include wife, Lois Powell, Tarkio; children, Steve (Renee) Powell, Austin, Texas, Valerie (Philip) Grossman, Shenandoah, and Mark (Brenda) Powell, Des Moines, Iowa; grandchildren, Amy, Taylor, Lee, Blair, Lauren, Tony, and Brad; and great-grandchildren, Lance, Cash, Penny, Claire, Chase, Irene, Henry, Nolan, Anna, and Eleanor.

A memorial service was held Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at the Westboro Methodist Church, Westboro. Inurnment was at Home Cemetery, Tarkio. Memorials may be directed to PET Mobility Project Foundation, 503 E. Nifong Blvd. Ste. H #186, Columbia, MO 65201, or Westboro Methodist Church, Westboro. Arrangements were under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio. Online condolences may be left at www.minterfuneralchapels.com.