James Lawrence Powell

1948 - 2017

James Lawrence Powell, a nine-year resident of Kettle Falls, passed away unexpectedly on July 14, 2017 in Colville. He was born on August 12, 1948 in Denver, CO to Kenneth and Alice (Bishop) Powell.

Jim was raised in the Port Orchard area, graduating from South Kitsap High School in 1967. Right out of high school Jim attended Olympic Junior College earning his Associate Degree. He worked with DNR as seasonal summer help during high school and while attending Olympic Junior College.

In 1971, Jim enlisted into the U.S. Army and later met Dianne Morrison. They wed in 1972 and had two sons, Joshua and Jason. After his honorable discharge from the Army, Jim attended the University of Washington and earned his Bachelor Degree in Outdoor Recreation. At the same time, he worked at Glacier National Park during the summers. He often reminisced about how much he enjoyed those years. After graduating, Jim began a long career working for the Kitsap County Public Works. Jim and Dianne divorced in 1993.

The next chapter of Jim's life began when he reconnected with Karen (Ryan) Wegner through mutual friends and their involvement in Youth With a Mission. Their friendship blossomed and they married in August of 2006. Jim retired in 2008 and they then moved to Kettle Falls where they have lived ever since. Jim and Karen became active in the Hope Vineyard church where Jim served as the director for the Reach Out program since 2009. He also was active in Point Man Ministries, Stevens County Ministerial Association, and served as chairman for the Stevens County Veterans Stand Down for several years.

Jim enjoyed deer hunting and was an avid fisherman, dropping his pole in the water whenever he got the chance. He cheered on the Mariners and the Seahawks, but what he truly loved was being out in nature. Recently Jim and Karen took a two-week road trip to Colorado to see their grandson graduate. It was their first trip since their honeymoon. They enjoyed the drive taking as many of the back roads as they could to see historical sites.

Jim was a man who was very loved and will be missed by all who knew him. Jim was the most generous, kind, and loving person you could ever meet. He never met anyone he called a stranger, and his faith and loyalty were unparalleled. Jim treated everyone with love, always had the perfect words of encouragement, and never thought twice about helping others... Jim died the way he lived.
Jim was preceded in death by both of his parents.

He is survived by his loving wife, Karen, Kettle Falls; sons, Joshua (Kimberly) Powell, Port Orchard; Jason Powell, Port Orchard; stepchildren, Stephen Inman, Denver, CO; Joshua Inman, Nashville, TN; Michael Inman, Wenatchee, Josiah (Colleen) Inman, Westminster, CO; and Leah (Tim) Ray, Chewelah; one sister, Ann (James) Blanchard of Plain, WA; and grandchildren Jacob Hardman, Casey Hardman, Tristan Hardman, Zachary Hardman, Elijah Ray, Caden Powell, Caleb Inman, Gabriel Ray, Emmalynn Powell, Lucas Ray, Abigaile Inman, and Addison Powell.

A Celebration of Life service for James Lawrence Powell will be held at the Hope Vineyard in Colville on Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at 3 p.m. Jim will then be laid to rest at the Tahoma National Veterans Cemetery in Kent, WA.

A Celebration of Life service will also be held in Port Orchard at First Christian Church on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 2 p.m.

Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com.

Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory have been entrusted with the arrangements.