James Norman Powers

Jimmie Powers, a fourth generation Dallasite, was born October 10, 1930 to James Henry Powers and Verbo Cooper Powers. He went to be with the Lord on January 19, 2014 surrounded by his family, after a three-year battle with Melanoma.

Jimmie attended Sunset High School and at 16 he entered the University of Texas, where he was a proud graduate in 1952, and later did post-graduate work at Rutgers University.

After graduation, Jimmie served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and, upon discharge, secured his private pilot’s license. He was employed by National Surety Corporation (a Fireman Fund Corporation) - the same company where his father worked in the 1920’s. In 1958, he was hired by Ellis Smith & Company, an old-time downtown Dallas insurance agency, as a salesman. Jimmie was awarded his Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter designation (CPCU) in 1961, and in 1962 became a partner in Ellis Smith & Company. The firm was later renamed Ellis Crotty Powers, Inc. and he was named President. In 1983, Ellis Crotty Powers merged with Corroon and Black Corp. and Jimmie retired in 1990 as Chairman.

Jimmie enjoyed scouting and he served as Indian Guide, Cubmaster, and Assistant Scout Master at various times in his life. He was very active in the downtown YMCA and served on its board of directors. In the 1960’s, as jogging became popular, he and his fellow Y members built a track on the roof of the downtown YMCA. In 1966, they decided to meet at the White Rock Boat House on Thanksgiving morning to run the Rock and work up an appetite. There were a total of 16 runners that day. Last year the YMCA Turkey Trot had over 30,000 participants.

Jimmie was on the Cotton Bowl Council, a Director of InterFirst Bank, on the Dallas Insurance Placement Board, a member of the Insurance Club, and on the President’s Council of The University of Texas. He was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason and Potentate Aide at Hella Temple. Additionally, he was an early member of Fellowship Bible Church, Cooper Center Bible Study group, and Grace Bible Church. Jimmie was a 36-year active member of Cooper Fitness Center.

Jimmie is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Kay; sons Steve and David and his wife, Dana; step children Tim Malooly and Kathleen Musso; and seven grandchildren Brent, Drew, Kendall, Bailey, Matthew, Michael, and Kristin.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at 12pm at Sparkman/Hillcrest Northwest Highway Chapel with reception following. Visitation will be Monday, January 27, 2014 from 6-8pm at Sparkman/Hillcrest.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch. www.calfarley.org