James R. Powell

James R. Powell, age 84, of Brillion, Wisconsin, peacefully passed on January 29, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born on March 11, 1941, in Manistique, Michigan, he was the son of Ransom and Esther (Arrowood) Powell.

Jim graduated from Manistique High School in 1959 and was united in marriage to Carol Benson at the First Baptist Church in Manistique on August 28, 1965. He proudly served in the United States Navy from 1962 to 1966, where he worked as a jet aircraft servicer on the aircraft carriers USS Kitty Hawk, USS Ranger, and USS Forrestal.

Following his honorable discharge from military service, Jim began his career at Cummins Diesel in West Allis, later transferring to their DePere location, where he served as service manager. In 1977, he moved to Brillion and held the position of service manager at the former Saunders Leasing. Jim was also an owner/operator and partner in Simmons Powell Leasing, in addition to driving semi for Primary Transportation of Brillion and Pioneer Metal Finishing of Green Bay until his retirement in 2013.

A lover of the outdoors, Jim enjoyed golfing, hunting, and fishing, particularly on Lake Michigan and the bay of Green Bay. He took great pride in nurturing his vegetable garden and was an avid cribbage player.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Carol; his daughter, Robin Powell (Jason Johnson); and his son, Brian (Sharon and Sharon's brother, Michael McMahon). He is also survived by his brother, Mike (Barb) Powell of Gulliver, Michigan, along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Barbara Heinz; his brothers, William, Ted, and Dale Powell; his sister, Grace Cook; and, most recently, his beloved granddaughter, Hayley Ackerman, in December of 2025.

In accordance with his wishes, no public funeral service will be held. The family will gather privately to honor his memory.

The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Bellin Memorial Hospital and Unity Hospice for the compassionate care they provided during Jim's final days.