He was born to Rosa Lee and Henry Powell in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. He graduated from Eastern High School in Louisville, Kentucky and received his MBA from the University of Louisville.
He served in the Air Force during the Korean War. While stationed in Japan he received a Black Belt in Judo.
He married Mary Margaret in 1957, who survives him. James is also survived by daughter Kim Dickerson (Rich), daughter Jacquie Petrey (Steve), daughter Grace Payne, son Greg Powell, and grandchildren Sarah Dickerson, James Dickerson (Adina), Katherine Dickerson, Olivia Petrey, Hannah Payne, McGregor Powell, and Lacey Powell. He was predeceased by his brother Henry Lee Powell.
James was Vice-President and Brand Manager for Brown-Forman Beverage Company for 33 years in Louisville and then retired to Sanibel Island. He had a love for Avantis and vintage Corvettes and was an avid tennis player.
Viewing will be held on Thursday, January 20, 2022 from 5 to 7 PM at Hodges-Kiser Funeral Home, 9231 Cypress Lake Dr., Fort Myers, FL 33919
Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, January 21, 2022 at 11 AM at Saint Isabel‘s Catholic Church, 3559 Sanibel-Captiva Rd., Sanibel, FL 33957
The family would like to notably thank Hope Hospice, Home Instead of Fort Myers (especially caregivers Catherine, Oscar, Amado, Iris, Micheal, and Jan), Cypress at Home Care Management team (Chris Austin and Audra Lee), Saint Isabel’s Catholic Church, and Hodges-Kiser Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to your local homeless shelter.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kiserfh.com for the Powell family.
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