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BORN
1940
DIED
2022
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James Powell Obituary
Newbury, NH — James "Jim" Murphy Powell passed away peacefully, with family by his side, on April 25, 2022, after suffering a stroke.
Jim was born in 1940 in Danville, Virginia, to parents Harvey and Peggy (Barker) Powell. His father was a bus driver and young Jim got to know the city of Danville riding along on his route, honing his innate sense of direction. Jim was never lost a day in his life.
Upon graduating high school Jim enlisted in the Navy and was able to see much of the world. He loved to explore while on shore leave with his camera. When the Bay of Pigs got heated in 1961, Jim had front row seats from the ship on which he was stationed. After leaving the Navy, Jim went to work for IBM in the Washington DC area. It was there that he saw Martin Luther King, Jr. deliver his "I Have a Dream" speech.
During his long career with IBM, Jim continued to travel extensively. He recalled his two years working in Japan fondly, especially nights out in Tokyo with his Japanese counterparts. Upon retirement Jim continued his adventure with his wife Linda by his side. They moved together to Newbury, New Hampshire where they joined the Bradford Volunteer Rescue Squad, serving for 12 years. Jim was active on several boards and committees and was elected five times to serve on the Newbury Select Board.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Linda, his sister Rebecca Buchanan, his son Jonathon (Jessica), granddaughter Talia, his daughter Pamela Gibson (James), grandchildren Samuel, Jared and Claire, and many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Douglas Powell and wife Rosalie.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family. In honor of Jim, donations may be made to one of the many worthy organizations supporting our Veterans.
To sign an online guestbook please visit www.chadwickfuneralservice.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Powell
Harriet Cady
June 11, 2022
I will miss Jim's steadiness and willingness to work on the taxpayers of NH's behalf. God Bless Linda and may you be comforted by friends and family.
Kris & Al Retter
June 4, 2022
Linda, so sorry to just hear of Jim's passing. We will miss seeing you both on our visits to Newbury
CHARLES FORSBERG
May 21, 2022
Linda, I am forever grateful to the support you and Jim provided in my effort to revise the KRSD Charter to give the voters equal opportunity upon the "official ballot". Jim's sudden passing came as a profound shock.
Jane Aitken
May 10, 2022
Linda,
I was stunned and saddened to hear of Jim's passing. My sincere sympathy is with you and your family.
Janet Lizotte
May 10, 2022
Linda, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear Jim. He has been such a pleasure to work with. I know he will be missed by many.
Liz Tentarelli
May 5, 2022
Jim was one of the first town officials I met upon moving to Newbury. He made me feel welcome and encouraged my involvement in the town. More than competent as a selectboard member, warm, thoughtful. Jim's spirit of inclusiveness was a bright light in small-town life. He has been missed since stepping down from the selectboard. Now the town's and our personal loss is even greater. Condolences to Linda.
Robert D Machain
May 2, 2022
Mr. Powell, Thank you for your service RDM Windham NH
Joan Fulton
May 2, 2022
Sorry for your loss Linda and Jim's children -- Jim was a unique, intelligent
and great person who will be missed by many people. Joan Fulton, Litchfield
Cynthia Marple
May 1, 2022
I’ve begun and erased 4 times, all attempts too long. Jim was balanced and caring, served his country and his town, and he lived and loved well. A great man with a great laugh. I loved him and I will miss him. My heart is breaking for you Linda. I’m here for any small thing I can do. Love & hugs, Cynthia Marple
Dick & Sheila Moore
May 1, 2022
Linda, so sorry for your loss. Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Lesley Marquis
May 1, 2022
Linda, so very sorry for your loss. Jim was a wonderful man. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Sharon and Bob Morse
April 29, 2022
Linda - I am so very sorry for your loss. Jim was an amazing man and both of you were great neighbors! He will always be remembered for marrying Bob and I up on the hill and your kind generosity after our fire. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
carole hubbard
April 29, 2022
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Bonnie Veinote
April 29, 2022
Condolences to Jims family, our thoughts are with you at this very difficult time. His Maine family loved him and always enjoyed his visits to family reunions! I know he will be so greatly missed. Love and hugs and prayers to all.
❤ Thank you for your service Jimmy ❤
George & Lorraine Edmunds
April 28, 2022
Our condolences to you Linda and your family. Jim was a wonderful man who always had a smile and a warm greeting.
Ginger Merrill
April 27, 2022
I worked with Jim at IBM and he was an authentically nice guy. I was a new hire in Franklin Lakes and was actually his Secretaruy for a couple of years.. While we both moved on and up in the company, we lost touch. I happen to run into him in New London and we enjoyed catching up.
My deepest condolences to his family who we spoke of lovely & most often.
Churchill Heselton
April 27, 2022
To Linda Powell and family so very sorry for your loss.
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Chadwick Funeral and Cremation Service, LLC - New London235 Main Street P.O. Box 68, New London, NH 03257
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