Jimmy Ross Powers

Sonora-

Jimmy Ross Powers (aka “Silver and later known as “Pops”) passed peacefully though heaven’s gates May 15th, 2022, in San Antonio, Texas. Jimmy Ross was born July 7th, 1942 in Winters, Texas to Milford Louis and Eleanor Marzee (Williams) Powers. After the death of Jimmy’s mother at an early age, Louis eventually moved his family to Sonora, Texas. Jimmy went to Sonora High School and went on to marry Allison Espy in 1964. He was a top salesman and became a full partner at Bruton Trailer Sales in San Angelo, Texas. He then worked at Ken Braden Motors and Ranch in Sonora, Texas also becoming a part owner. That work ethic and compassion was evident with Jimmy and Allison ranching and rodeoing while raising their son, Houston. That rodeo legacy lives on through Houston, along with Jimmy’s grandson Sam Houston Powers. Sam is currently competing in the calf roping and steer wrestling at the professional level.

After the loss of Allison in 1993, Jimmy immersed himself in the rodeo world carrying many cowboys to victory on his awesome horses. Jimmy produced two AQHA World Championship Steer Wrestling Horses: Yellow Dog and Bad Motor Scooter. Jimmy went on to serve 36 years on the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Committee, served 12 years as the Texas Circuit Director and President. Jimmy retired from the rodeo trail in 2005 to marry Rebecca Ramsey, a former Miss Rodeo Texas, where together they enjoyed going to the NFR, coaching and supporting their grandkids and shared their love in horse’s thoroughbred through racing industry.

Jimmy loved life and helping others. He watched Houston be successful, and guided Sam to success as well both in and out of the arena. He was equally talented at coaching cowboys and cowgirls alike in the arena. Garmin and google maps had nothing on Pops! He knew which road you should take and where you should stay along the way. If you were coachable, he could coach you! He loved the thrill of competition, was always a phone call away, and thrived on seeing you succeed.

Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents Marzee and Louis Powers, his second mother Jayne Kiser Powers, his late wife Allison Espy Powers, and his brother Milford D (Mickey) Powers. He is survived by his wife Rebecca Ramsey Powers, son James Houston Powers, brother Zane Powers, sisters Nancy (John) Plumley, Pam Powers, Trina (Jim) Hadley, grandson Sam Houston Powers, mother-in-law Sammie Espy, bonus daughters Wendy (Rob) Mason and Robin (Steele) Montague, bonus grandchildren Mattye, Mckenna, and Gage Mason. He is also survived by many special nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and close family friends.

Join us for a graveside celebration at the Sonora Cemetery (516 N Service Road) at 11 am, Thursday May 19, 2022. Immediately following the service lunch and reception will be held at Webb’s Roadside Grill (3035 SH, TX-467 Loop).

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the West Texas Boys Ranch and Cowboy Crisis Fund, or a charity of your choice in memoriam of Jimmy Powers.
Pallbearers will be Mack Altizer, J.W. Johnson, Jason Miller, Robert Blandford, Gabe LeDoux, Tim Palmer, Olie Smith, Steve Duhon, Steve MaHaffey, Boyd Polhamus, Ed Workman, Arnold Felts, Eddie Martinez, and Ty Ship.