POWERS, John "Jack" E. Jr. Of Taunton, formerly of West Roxbury. Son of the late John E. and Mary P. (Prendergast) Powers. Loving brother of Nancy P. Ferris and her husband, Jack of Westwood, Paula O'Connor and her husband, Brian of Dedham, Karen Powers of West Roxbury and Sheila O'Shea and her husband, Jim of Harwich. Devoted Uncle of John and Kate Ferris, Alex and Carrie Ferris, Andrew Ferris, Justin and Lindsey Ferris, Brendan, Mary and Fr. Patrick O'Connor. Jack attended Holy Name School, Boston Latin School and Boston College. He was a phenomenal athlete with hockey being his specialty, still participating in leagues in the greater Boston area. Nothing pleased him more than spending a quiet afternoon on the beach reading. He could not be beat at Jeopardy and his knowledge of sports and 70's music was unparalleled. He was a longtime employee of the Boston Red Sox and will be sorely missed by his students and fellow staff members at Bridgewater-Raynham High School. Funeral from The Robert J. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home, 1803 Centre St., WEST ROXBURY, on Monday, April 22, at 9:00 am. A Mass of Christian Burial, will be celebrated in the Holy Name Church, at 10:00 am. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting Hours, in the funeral home, on Sunday, April 21, from 2:00 to 6:00 pm. Interment, St. Joseph Cemetery. Donations may be made in his memory to House of Possibilities www.houseofpossibilities.org Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home 617-323-5600

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Published by Boston Globe from Apr. 16 to Apr. 18, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for JOHN POWERS

35 Entries

Casey Finch

April 24, 2024

This one definitely hit home... I love ya brother.... Thanks for making high school more than fun during our classes. From the "yes" to the random pop quizzes... you will always be remembered my man... Best teacher to ever come out of Bridgewater Raynham

Laurie McDermott

April 21, 2024

I had the pleasure of working with Jack at BR, and while we did not cross paths often all of my interactions with Jack left me with a smile on my face. My first encounter with Jack was my first day at BR orienting as a new school nurse. The whole high school staff was participating in an ice-breaker game of "Rock, Paper, Scissors." To our misfortune Jack and I were the final contestants and had to finish off our last round in front of the entire high school staff. I was mortified and told Jack that it was my first day and how embarrassed and uncomfortable I was. He responded in his dry monotone voice "This is my worst nightmare" his response made me laugh and put me at ease and luckily I lost the game! I will always remember Jack's kind and quiet humor fondly. All of us in the health office will miss Jack Powers.

Lauren class of `14

April 21, 2024

Mr. Powers was the most impactful teacher of my high school career. The lessons he taught me absolutely made me the person I am today. We were all so lucky to know him. Rest in peace Mr. Powers you will be greatly missed.

Jeff Doel

April 21, 2024

My sincere condolences to Jack´s family.
I had the privilege of knowing Jack as a friend these past two years through Cornerstone Community Church where we both attended. He was a quiet, humble, and private man. I never heard him boast or rarely use "I" in our conversations. A strong sense of independence not wanting to bother anyone to help him. Although he endured a number of health issues, he was never a complainer. Even when he was in pain or under the weather he wanted to be at B-R for his students. He loved his job, his class subjects, his students, and co-workers. No doubt there is a void at B-R that will be felt for years to come. I will miss meeting up for lunch, enjoying chef Jack´s burgers, or stopping by his house with PIZZA.
I am missing him as are many others, yet I trust I will see him again one day.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Kathy Rogers

April 20, 2024

Jack was a great guy and I loved working with him! He was sincere, kind and I loved chatting with him. He will be missed by his students both present and current and will forever be a part of BRRHS.
Kathy Rogers

Shane Slater

April 20, 2024

To Jack´s sisters, nieces and nephews - please take comfort knowing Jack leaves a lasting impact and legacy of kindness, humor and connection with countless students and colleagues. His unique wit and dry sense of humor was one of a kind. I was fortunate to know him both from BR and as a colleague of my father, Chris Slater, and especially as a close friend and BR History Department coworker with my sister, Ashley (Slater) Mallard. I regret not having him as a teacher, but I often heard endless stories about him as an amazing educator - his students treasured him and his unforgettable persona.

Without fail whenever I socialize with friends from BR a "Powers" story will be retold with laughter (his claim he had a prescription windshield, playing stickball on the tennis courts, getting former students together for pond hockey, or his personal uniform: khakis, polo and ray-bans). It became a rite of passage when at Fenway to visit him at his kiosk under the bleachers to pay homage and say hello.

When my father was battling cancer Jack often called to check in on him and after my father´s passing Jack was there with support for my family. Some friends and I visited while he was in the hospital and he was still laughing and joking, commenting to the nurse at Brigham and Women´s, "I hope I gave you an A" when he learned she was a former student.

Jack - you will be missed by so many, but the stories and memories you forged with students that became friends will be with us forever.

Mike Roman

April 20, 2024

Mr. Powers was the best and will be sorely missed. I will always remember playing stick ball with him on the tennis courts during class on a nice day in May before I graduated. We also played pond hockey together a few times when I was in high school and college. He is a big reason why I became a teacher and also went to college in Boston. He had a great sense of humor and I have stories for hours about him. He will be missed.

James gimler

April 20, 2024

John powers will be forever missed i always looked forward to his class every day. His energy and love for both his job and his students truly knew no bounds and was only trumped by his love for V8 vegetable juice. John will forever be a staple of my high school career and nobody will ever be able to take his place

camille

April 18, 2024

Mr. Powers will never truly know the incredible impact he had on my life as well as my classmates. He has been the most humble, funniest, selfless person i´ve known, and I have had the greatest privilege of growing close to him. May he rest in the sweetest peace.

Christina

April 18, 2024

1994-1995 As Seniors, my BFF and I had POD with Mr Powers. I believe it was his first year at Bridgewater-Raynham. We had some interesting characters in that class back then, but he rolled with it. We talk about that class to this day. His memory will live on.

Dennis Coyne, class of 98

April 18, 2024

My hands down favorite teacher, who introduced me to European history. Also, without Jack Powers stepping up to volunteer his time coaching the mock trial team, I doubt I´d be a labor lawyer today. You will be sorely missed by many JP.

PS - Friday Jeopardy was my favorite day of the week.

Braeden Roberts, Class of 23

April 17, 2024

Mr. Powers was my 11th grade history teacher. I had fond memories of his class and he will be missed dearly.

Lorraine Butler

April 17, 2024

He i snow resting in peace

Zach Walsh (Walshie), Class of 22

April 17, 2024

Mr. Powers was my one of my history teachers I had for 3 years. I took electives such as world cultures and his US history class. He was on of the best everyone knew who he was and he was one of the kindest and most understanding people within Highschool.

Jeopardy was made fun and there was never a bad day. He will be missed by everyone both in and out of school. He never called me by my name. It was always Walshie which all of my history teachers did.

He will be missed. Rest in peace.

Maureen Lynch

April 17, 2024

I just stumbled upon this obituary, not knowing Jack Powers. His family should take comfort in hearing the legacy he left behind both in and out of the classroom. May he rest in eternal peace. God bless Jack Powers Jr.

Morgan Freiday, Class of '17

April 17, 2024

Being one of Mr.Powers students was one of my favorite parts about BR high school. As a 2017 graduate of BRRHS, he still stands out to me as the best teacher I've ever had. Not only was he brilliant, but HILARIOUS, (seriously, I remember laughing so hard my stomach hurt in his class), kind and patient. I looked forward to his class everyday; I mean, how often does a student say that about school? He made learning fun, but also encouraged his students to just be good humans- RIM! Respect, Integrity, Maturity. I'll never forget it.

A few years back, I was at the grocery store with a friend and saw Mr. Powers there. Old me was being shy and nervous to say hello, but I knew I would regret it if I didn't! I said hello and he greeted me with a huge smile and a big "Morgan!" Having been well into my college years, it was so nice to have been able to chat and catch up with him for a little bit. I'm very grateful that I said Hello that day. Thank you, Mr. Powers- you were an outstanding guy.

Sending prayers to his friends, family and the BRRHS family. May he Rest In Peace.

Tucker

April 17, 2024

Stickball at Lyndon, basketball at Hynes, ping pong at both of our basements. The one guy I knew would play until we couldn´t play anymore. As competitive as they come. RIP Jack!

Dave Moseley

April 17, 2024

I had the pleasure of having Mr. Power's for multiple classes throughout High School. His teaching style for someone like me, who was a middling student, was contagious and his offbeat approach to things made everything interesting. I'll be thinking of you regularly Mr. P, and I will always try to stay above the R.I.M. Godspeed.

-Peanut Butter Boy

Karen and Doug Frenette

April 17, 2024

My husband and I knew Jack from Cornerstone Community Church. He was always someone we enjoyed speaking with; Doug having conversations with Jack about sports and I having discussions with him about teaching. Jack was always kind, thoughtful and genuinely interested in others. He was quick to smile and laugh. We are truly thankful we got to know Jack and will miss him. Our sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and students. Karen and Doug Frenette

Richard Scannell

April 17, 2024

Very sorry to hear about the passing of Jack. My deepest sympathies to his entire family. I worked with Jack at Fenway Park and enjoyed every minute of it. He was a gentleman with a quiet strength about him and a subtle quirk wit. My condolences.

Nick O´Neil

April 17, 2024

"The best teachers are those who show you where to look but don't tell you what to see."
-Alexandra K. Trenfor

Mr. Powers was one-of-a-kind. Those of us who were lucky enough to have him as a teacher were guaranteed to learn, and to laugh.

I was lucky enough to have him for two years. And during college in Boston I always looked forward to visiting him in centerfield during a Sox game at Fenway Park.

I´ll never forget how he made me feel.
Rest In Peace, Mr. Powers.

Greg Webber

April 16, 2024

I had the pleasure of being Mr. Power´s student in 2004. Not only was he one of the smartest teacher´s I had, but he was hilarious. I looked forward to his class everyday and couldn´t wait to hear what he came up with next. I´m so sad to hear of his passing, but will always remember what a great teacher and man he was. Condolences to his family.

Jackie

April 16, 2024

This news was sad to hear. Mr. Powers was one of the few teachers I thought of after high school and still remember 20 years later. He was kind, funny, patient and just an all around great teacher. My condolences to his family and those who loved them.

Wayne Horton

April 16, 2024

Jack was a colleague and friend for over 20 years at BR. We shared a passion for hockey and had many conversations regarding how well or poorly the Bruins were playing. Jack could be found at many high school games. He was a very good teacher and player.
My personal special memories were he had heard my Mom got some bad health news. Jack got my family tickets to the Red Sox making sure thay were under cover so Mom wouldn't get overheated.
I will miss you my friend
Stay above the rim.

Lem

April 16, 2024

Bird

Forever young driving the AMC Pacer with the enormous glass windows. Skylab! RIP brother.

Lem

Ally Symynkywicz

April 16, 2024

I was a colleague of Jack's in the history department of BRRHS. He was one of the sweetest, nicest coworkers I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Teaching can be an extremely stressful job, but I always felt an aura of calm whenever I encountered Jack in the hallway and he greeted me with an easygoing, tranquil "Hello!" He exhibited that optimism and grace toward all of his coworkers and students as well.

A few years ago, our school ran a "Teacher Superlatives" contest and Jack won for celebrity lookalike--students thought he resembled John F. Kennedy! I thought this was appropriate, since Jack always had an interest in the Kennedy presidency and shared that interest with the students in his US History II class. However, I think the similarity went beyond physical looks. JFK's most famous quote is "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." That quote encapsulates how Jack approached his role as an educator. He always put his students first, he worked hard, he shared his passion for history and sports, and he made the school a great environment for his colleagues.

Jack's passing has left a big hole in the Bridgewater-Raynham community. I know the staff, faculty, students and families of the district will miss him dearly. However, I take comfort in the fact that we were blessed to have an educator as great as Jack in our school and district. We feel his loss deeply, but his legacy will continue to reverberate in the halls of BRRHS and in the hearts of those who knew him.

I am sending my condolences and prayers to Jack's family and friends. Jack, you will be missed, my friend.

Barbara IBrue

April 16, 2024

Birdie was an amazing person. Great friend of mine and my diseased husband Matt. They were a lot alike in all the best ways. Funny, honest, great athletes and really quirky.
He will be fondly missed and greatly remembered. RIP Jack
Buzz(Barbara)

Jennifer Smith

April 16, 2024

Mr. Powers was my favorite teacher at B-R. I had him three years in a row and enjoyed every minute. Having graduated over twenty-one years ago, I remember him as being one of the kindest teachers I have ever had. He was truly a class act and will be forever remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Sincerely,

Jennifer L. Smith
Class of `03

Dave Patrick

April 16, 2024

I got to know Jack by listening to my students talk about him. They loved him. He touched many lives.

Casey Rodrigues

April 16, 2024

My students run a copy center for faculty and we often found ourselves in the copy room at the same time as Mr Powers. He was always so kind and patient, telling the students that their copies were far more important than his.

I knew of Jack long before I worked with him, as my husband and sister-in-law remember him as their favorite teacher of all time.

Dennis Dunphy

April 16, 2024

Dearest Powers Family,

Coach John Aka Birdie,

Was legitimately the TRUE shining light in our HS hockey careers. He was respected, yet honest, funny yet stern and Coach Powers wasa true ray of light amd the ultimate inspiration when Coach Quinn was a downer , a pessimist and very discouraging towards us young Men. COACH POWERS WOULD ALWAYS STEP RIGHT IN AMD KEEP OUR HEARTS PURE AND THE CANDLE BURNING for us young athletes especially me. He was the ultimate Man!!!! I loved him and always will . Me Pat Sullivan , Tim Higgins and the rest of us from class of 93 and 94 would seek out Coach for that BIG gawgeoussss smile at Fenway anytime we went.

I will always treasure and love you good man and Coach.

Love Dennis Dunphy
My Wife And Kids knew all about the great Coach Birdie. We love u pal. Always .

Jay McHugh

April 16, 2024

Prayers to the family

Heather Whitty

April 16, 2024

Mr.Powers was a vibe. He defined the term long before it became one. I never had him as a teacher, we simply exchanged banter throughout my time in the halls of BR. His presence was simply just that - unforgettable. My deepest of condolences to his family and friend's.

Samantha Oakhem

April 16, 2024

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest form of appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." -JFK

I distinctly remember walking into my first class ever with Mr Powers. The lights were off, cut out JFK articles plastered along the walls, hockey decor by his desk, and a toy basketball hoop mounted on the whiteboard. Below the hoop, it read in expo marker “stay above the R.I.M.”
Intimidated by high school in general, like no more glitter glue/ crayons :( lol, it was his classroom that changed the game. Completely. Like Harvard lecture hall vibes. The intellectual debates, critical deep thinking and his wisdom/ unique insight/ playful whit made me feel I was not only amongst greatness, but part of it !!
By my 3rd year of having him, lucky me, his room never changed and the toy basketball hoop remained on the white board. I am forever grateful to know that STAYING ABOVE THE RIM was so much more than a silly toy basketball hoop!!! It was the blue print that shaped my character into being my best self.
Respect. Integrity. Maturity.
Thank you beyond measure Mr Powers, I hope you eternally enjoy the birds eye view of the Head of The Charles Regatta

Mike Tobin

April 15, 2024

Jack was a gifted athlete, but he exceled in hockey. Growing up, he always dominated the game whether it was basketball, baseball or his favorite sport- ice hockey. I loved playing with him. He was so unselfish with the puck. He had the most amazing shot, but always chose to pass rather than shoot.

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