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Joseph POWELL Obituary
POWELL, Joseph George
Age 62, of Isleton, died early Saturday, December 26, 2009 in the hospital following a short illness. He was born February 12, 1947 in Brooklyn, New York and has lived in Isleton for the past 26 years. Mr. Powell's father served in the US Air Force so Joe attended schools all over the world including Germany, Mexico, Morocco, and Taiwan before moving to Sacramento his senior year where he graduated from high school. He received his bachelor's degree from UC Davis, as well as his teaching credential. He served four years in the US Air Force as an aircraft technician in Missouri. Joe taught English Literature for 33 years and most of his teaching career was at C.K. McClatchy High School in Sacramento where he was co-founder of HISP and charter teacher in the HISP Magnet School. He was former Director of HISP and collaborated with his colleagues to develop course of studies and lesson plans for HISP and wrote the course of study for the Morals class approved by UC Berkeley and taught it for 10 years. He will be remembered and was loved by many of his students and Joe always desired that all students could have the opportunity to have a multi-cultural experience. His colleagues remember Joe for his love and knowledge of literature and for his droll humor and charming wit. He was a member of: Woodbridge Masonic Lodge #131, F. & A.M., Rio Vista Moose Lodge, and E Clampus Vitus. His many hobbies included reading, music, photography and pencil drawing. Joe also was the 'J' in PJ's Small Dog Rescue where he and his wife, Patti, ran the rescue which has placed hundreds of small needy dogs into loving forever homes in the 3 years that PJ's Small Dog Rescue has been in existence. Preceded in death by his parents, Lorenzo and Angela Powell; a brother, Lawrence; and a sister, Patricia. His is survived by his wife of 31 years, Patti Powell of Isleton; sister, Mary Powell of Sacramento; and brother, Timothy Powell of Sacramento. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, December 30 at 2:00pm at the Woodbridge Masonic Lodge, 1040 E. Augusta St., Woodbridge, CA 95258, located just north of Lodi. There is no visitation and committal is private under the direction of the Donahue Funeral Home in Lodi. Memorials may be made to PJ's Small Dog Rescue, P.O. Box 455, Isleton, CA 95641 or to the Shriner's Hospital for Children, 2425 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817.
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph POWELL
January 2, 2010
Mr. Powell was one of my favorite high school teachers. He always treated us as adults and was constantly challenging us to be more critical and thoughtful. I have especially fond memories of how Mr. Powell would read sections of "Gilgamesh" to the class. Contemporary & Moral Issues was hands-down my favorite high school class. He was incredibly funny and much loved, and will be sorely missed.
Elaine Sullivan
January 2, 2010
I am sorry for the loss of Joe. I was glad to learn more about his contributions as a teacher and in animal rescue. I think such a loss can be very hard, especially after other losses in the family. My love to the Powell family.
joe sullivan
January 1, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
December 31, 2009
Mr. Powell will be sadly missed. He was really there for the love of the students. He always seemed to put them first. Both of my daughters had him and really appreciated what a great teacher he was. God bless you Mr. Powell
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Mary Rose Sullivan
December 31, 2009
Tim (Joe's brother) and I sure appreciate all the posts to this guest book. It is so comforting and heart-warming to learn how loved and appreciated Joe was by his students and friends. Thank you all!
Ian Merker
December 31, 2009
He used to let us sneak out for coffee during zero period. I don't remember if we had to buy him one in return. What I remember the most was the great appreciation for literature he instilled in us. Also the quote from The Divine Comedy which hung over his door, "Abandon all hope, ye who enter here."
John Olsen
December 30, 2009
Patty and family,
I just heard the news of Joe's passing, and wanted to send my condolences. I've known Joe for a good number of years and will miss his friendship, guidance, and wry sense of humor. He helped me while pursuing my education and he often gave me a reason to smile while I worked.
They say that ony the good die young-this loss just goes to enhance that statement. Best wishes to Patty and all other surviving members of the Powell clan.
Benito Dimas
December 30, 2009
Mr Powell was my teacher in HISP and showed me that even students who were not into school as much as others could still learn. We spoke our opinions and they mattered. He showed me how to be a cool teacher and to take everything with a grain of salt. He encouraged me in my education and he was a role model for me being a teacher today. Thank you. Benito D (CKM Class 1996)
Benito Dimas
December 30, 2009
Mr Powell was my teacher in HISP and showed me that even students who were not into school as much as others could still learn. We spoke our opinions and they mattered. He showed me how to be a cool teacher and to take everything with a grain of salt. He encouraged me in my education and he was a role model for me being a teacher today. Thank you. Benito D (CKM Class 1996)
Sandra Pulsipher
December 30, 2009
Mr Powell will be greatly miss... He was a wonderful HISP english teacher. I can not remember most of my high school teachers, but he made a huge impression upon me and my high school years. He knew when to be stern and when to be laxed. He was one of the only teachers who actually kept my attention and kept me interested. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Sandra Pulsipher
Brandon T
December 30, 2009
I can't remember the names of most of my high school teachers, but I will always remember Mr Powell. He was such a great teacher, always the first to pop into my mind when I think of high school. I offer my sincerest condolences to his family and please know that he touched the lives of countless students throughout the years.
Megan Noblett
December 30, 2009
Mr. Powell was a wonderful teacher, and one who had a great impact on my life. I went to college to become an English Major because of my many years under his tutelage, as well as a teacher. He will be greatly missed. I know his influence will be felt for lifetimes.
Elizabeth Wheeler
December 30, 2009
Mr. Powell was my HISP English teacher 1994-1995, and was one of those rare and insightful teachers you remember for your whole life. We will all miss him. All the best to his family, friends and loved ones.
Rebecca Reyes Dishman
December 30, 2009
Mr. Powell, You will be missed. I'll never be able to forget our wonderful discussions I always looked forward to. You were a true inspiration to all of your students.
Richard Sullivan
December 30, 2009
Patty and family,
You have may sincerest condolences. Joe was a close personal friend. I will always cherish our time together discussing the worlds problems and his deep concern for his students and love for his chosen profession. Joe was was one of the "Good Guys" who everyone love and respected. I will always miss his presence and friendship. God bless you Joe!!.
Rick Sullivan, Chief
Isleton Police Department
Chris F
December 29, 2009
Mr.Powell believed in me when many of my teachers were quick to dismiss me. I am a better person for having known him.
Michele Maciel-Nichols
December 29, 2009
I was saddened to hear of Mr. Powell's passing, he has always been my most memorable teacher. I do believe he touched the lives of many, if not all, of the students he taught. Thank you Mr. Powell for sharing your love of learning and literature with us, you will be missed.
Suzie Mangum
December 29, 2009
McClatchy would not have been the same without Mr. Powell. He was very dedicated to his teaching and so many students would come back year after year to visit. He had a love of literature and a passion for life. McClatchy has lost a fabulous teacher.
Macey Kelly (class of 2000)
December 29, 2009
Mr. Powell was on of my favorite teachers. His wonderful sense of humor and laid back attitude were incredibly important during a very stressful time in my life. I'm sorry for all of the students to come, who will not have his class to look forward to.
Lizzie Keenan
December 29, 2009
I always looked forward to going o Mr. Powell's class as he always made me laugh... and I remember he always talked about the how good crawdad's were in Isleton.
Hilary Jordan
December 29, 2009
"Go deeper!" "Peel away the layers of the onion!" "What does that mean?" These are some of the Mr. Powell sayings I remember. My first year in high school, Mr. Powell taught me the "4 virtues" for literature. This subject would have been Greek (classical) to some but to Mr. Powell it was about our experience of reality. I felt like when he could he made sure we got to read and experience truly compelling literature, while still having time to have a sense of humor. He didn't believe in beating us over the head, he wanted us to actually enjoy literature and highschool. He treated us like adults, which made us feel like adults. Censorship was distasteful to him. He liked getting our attention. I believe he may have been one of the first people who ever seriously asked me to "go deeper", by questioning myself, something that, as soon as I got a taste of it, I was addicted to for the rest of my life. He was fearless and commanding with timid and immature 9th graders, determined for us to find our own truth. I can't see what is more important in a teacher. We exhausted him a lot of the time, and adults exhausted him a lot of the time, but he was tireless in delving into the important questions. In all my California Public Education, I had never before had a teacher sincerely as interested in my truth as Mr. Powell was. Instead of just reading and regurgitating, we were supposed to express ourselves in his class. He was actually interested in what we said, not just in how we said it. I shuffle my feet to affectionately honor his memory.
Hilary Jordan (CKM Class of 96) (Fairfield, Iowa)
Hilary Jordan
December 29, 2009
"Go deeper!" "Peel away the layers of the onion!" "What does that mean?" These are some of the Mr. Powell sayings I remember. My first year in high school, Mr. Powell taught me the "4 virtues" for literature. This subject would have been Greek (classical) to some but to Mr. Powell it was about our experience of reality. I felt like when he could he made sure we got to read and experience truly compelling literature, while still having time to have a sense of humor. He didn't believe in beating us over the head, he wanted us to actually enjoy literature and highschool. He treated us like adults, which made us feel like adults. Censorship was distasteful to him. He liked getting our attention. I believe he may have been one of the first people who ever seriously asked me to "go deeper", by questioning myself, something that, as soon as I got a taste of it, I was addicted to for the rest of my life. He was fearless and commanding with timid and immature 9th graders, determined for us to find our own truth. I can't see what is more important in a teacher. We exhausted him a lot of the time, and adults exhausted him a lot of the time, but he was tireless in delving into the important questions. In all my California Public Education, I had never before had a teacher sincerely as interested in my truth as Mr. Powell was. Instead of just reading and regurgitating, we were supposed to express ourselves in his class. He was actually interested in what we said, not just in how we said it. I shuffle my feet to affectionately honor his memory.
Hilary Jordan (CKM Class of 96)
Kendra (Ramsey) Bridges
December 29, 2009
Mr. Powell introduced me to many of my favorite authors, and instilled the idea that great literature isn't always found in the most obvious places. I consider myself lucky to have been his student.
Erik Keilholtz
December 29, 2009
Of all of the teachers I have had over the years, Mr. Powell was not only one of the best, but was certainly my favorite. To this day I remember class discussions of Gilgamesh, To Kill a Mockingbird, Slaughterhouse Five, and so forth.
Michael Cassell
December 29, 2009
Mr. Powell helped a generation of McClatchy students develop their love of reading and the English language. He will be missed.
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