James Joseph Powell Jr.

James Joseph Powell Jr. "Papa, Jim, Jimmy" died peacefully in his home with his family close by, on November 8, 2024 in Belton MO at the age of 62. Jim is survived by his Wife, Jeannine Powell; 2 children, Darren Powell, and Kory Powell-Gentry and son in law Logan Gentry; 2 granddaughters, Abbiegail & Josephine Gentry, 4 siblings, Linda, Dana, Sandy, and Mike. His extended family include 2 surrogate Daughters Ann & Stephanie and their respective children, 8 in total, and several Aunts, Uncles, Nieces and Nephews. He is also survived by his pets, 2 chickens, 2 dogs, and 2 cats. He is preceded in death by his Parents, Jim and Mildred, a sister, and a nephew.

Jim was born on October 25, 1962. in Lee’s Summit, MO to Mildred and James Powell Sr., but was raised in Ontario CA. He had 4 sisters and 1 brother. As a boy, Jim had many adventures, riding his bike up into the mountains, and even traversing rooftops to catch pigeons. He met his later wife, Jeannine on Friday, October 13, 1983 and worked to get his GED. Before the couple moved to Missouri, Jim worked several jobs in Ontario California.The first was cabinet making at a shop called Royal Cabinets, the second was Upland Contracting, making wrought iron which was also his first Union job. After moving to Missouri, Jim worked several other jobs before he found his work home and began working for Asplundh Tree Service as a Tree and Brush trimmer and disaster relief worker. His work mostly consisted of clearing power lines and other utility support structures of overgrown trees and other foliage. The other main component of his work was disaster aid and relief for cities without power due to severe weather and storms. He assisted with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Ivan, and several other local unnamed ice storms that helped people get power back to their homes. Due to his hard work and diligence, Jim won several “Safety Incentive” awards while on these relief missions, including the grand prize one year for a gift card to Cabelas. He used the gift card to buy camping & fishing supplies for himself and his family. After 30 years in the Electrical Workers Union # 53, Jim retired July of 2022.

Jim was passionate about Barbecue and Football, Go Raiders, and would often go fishing. For several years, Jim and his wife Jeannine, have taken an annual vacation to Lake Taneycomo in southern Missouri. This year, Jim’s immediate family also went on this vacation with the pair of them. On his last vacation to this important place to him, Jim had his Wife Jeannine, his Son Darren, his daughter and her Family Kory, Logan, Abbie, Jojo, and the entire trip was filled with joy, laughter and love. Jim’s family will remember several of his sayings, but none more than “Crispy, cheezy, smokey flavor!” - You had to be there.

The funeral was held graveside and attended by his immediate family. A celebration of his life will be held at McGilley & George Funeral home on November 23, 2024, by invitation due to capacity.