James Powers

1928 - 2024

James "Jim" Powers
Jerseyville - James Herman Powers, 96, a lifelong resident of Jerseyville, died at 12:51 a.m., Saturday, September 7, 2024 at Jerseyville Manor in Jerseyville. Jim was born at the family home in Jerseyville on April 25, 1928 and was the son of the late Peter J. and Magdalena (Abeln) Powers, and graduated with the Class of 1946 from Jersey Township High School.
Soon after, he enlisted with the United States Army to serve his country during World War II. His military career was marked by an amusing anecdote he would share: He went bed in the Army and woke up in the Air Force. During his time in the service, Jim was a part of the Hurricane Hunters, which was tasked with search and rescue operations and radiation detection. On February 18, 1950, Jim married the love of his love, Donna Mae Woolsey, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Jerseyville. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter and devotion. Together, they raised two daughters and shared in the joys of their grandchildren and great grandchildren that followed. Their family was the center of their world. Donna preceded him in death on October 29, 2019, after 69 years of marriage. Jim enjoyed a 31-year career at the Ford Motor Company Plant in Hazelwood, Missouri, where he worked as a painter in the spray booth. His time at Ford was not only about hard work but also camaraderie, as he cherished the friendships he built there over the years. A devout Catholic, Jim was a fixture in the community, known for his deep faith and involvement in his church. He was also widely known from his time spent at the former Moose Lodge in Jerseyville, where he bartended for many years. On Friday nights, he could often be found greeting people at the door, his outgoing personality and sense of humor making everyone feel welcome. Following Donna's passing, Jim found joy in weekly trips to the casino, a favorite pastime that brought him comfort and a sense of adventure. He also looked forward to his weekly lunch outing with family, where they would gather, reminisce, and share laughter. Jim will be remembered for his infectious personality, quick wit, and the joy he brought to others. His stories and laughter brightened the lives of those around him, and his presence will be deeply missed. Surviving are two daughters and a son in-law, Mary Ann and Thomas Bott and Karen Arkebauer, all of Jerseyville; two grandsons, Devon Bott of Wood River and Dennis Dawson of Litchfield; a granddaughter, Kate Dawson of Jerseyville; two great grandchildren, Violet and Eloise; as well as a sister in-law, Mary Lou Driver of Jerseyville. In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by four sisters, Mary, Irene, Kathryn and Beatrice "Bea" Powers; his father in-law and mother in-law, Amos and Agnes Woolsey; a son in-law, Roger Arkebauer; a grandson, Shawn Arkebauer; a granddaughter in-law, Patty Bott; as well as two brothers in-law, Phillip and Larry Woolsey. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m., Friday, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Jerseyville, with Father Martin Smith officiating. Burial will follow at St. Francis Cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials may be given to Riverbend Humane Society, in honor of Jim's love for animals. Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneals.com