James Irl Powell, 94, of Shelbyville, passed away Friday, May 22, 2015 at his residence.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, May 25, 2015 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Ronnie Wheeler officiating. A military honors graveside service will follow at Shelbyville Cemetery in Shelbyville under the direction of VFW Post 8904.
James was born December 4, 1920 to Irl H. and Oma Tillman Powell, the second of four children. He grew up on a farm near Shelbyville, where he learned his work ethic and values at an early age.rn Powell,
James was christened in the Shelbyville Methodist Church, reaffirming his faith in 1936. As an adult, he served this church in many capacities - Sunday school teacher, Chairman of the Administrative Board of Trustees, delegate to annual conference and history finance, and records committees. He was a fifth generation member of this church.
James attended Shelbyville Schools, graduating in 1938. He participated in basketball, baseball and track. He enrolled in Stephen F. Austin State Teacher College, leaving after three years to work in the building of Fort Polk, Louisiana and to build airplanes for Rohr aircraft in San Diego, California, before joining the Army Air Corps. James trained as a radio operator/gunner in Chicago, Illinois and Fort Meyers, Florida, before being assigned to a B-17 crew which trained 300 crews for combat, before being stationed in Nuthampstead, England. He participated in 29 air combat missions that included the Rhineland, Central Europe and France. His military decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross. He enjoyed his 398th Bomb Group Reunions and staying in contact with the 2 remaining members of his crew. He often referred to a list of his missions as he grew older.
James returned to earn his degree, as well as play basketball, at Stephen F. Austin and taught for seven years in the Shelby County Vocational Agriculture Program for veterans. He was then employed by Shelbyville ISD as a coach and teacher. He was the basketball coach, assistant football and baseball coach and taught Science, Biology, Math and Chemistry. He then served as High School principal for 16 years. He retired in 1980, having spent 37 years as a coach, teacher and administrator.
James was a life member of the 398th Bomb Group Memorial Association and VFW Post 8904. He was also a member of the SFA Alumni Association, founding member of the Nuthampstead Airfield Museum and the Shelbyville Cemetery Committee. He felt that one of his highest honors was being presented the Community Builder award by Sam Houston Masonic Lodge #32.
James loved God, America, the Methodist Church, his family, sports and ice cream – not necessarily in that order!
He is survived by
Sons:
James Gregory Powell of Shelbyville
Timothy Irl Powell and wife, Donna of Odessa
Grandson: Joshua Irl Powell and wife, Ashlee of Odessa
Great Granddaughter: Charlotte Avery Powell of Odessa
Sister: Shirley Powell Head of Tyler
Brother-in-law: Richard Wheeler of Ojai, California
Numerous nephews, former students and camp friends
Special Caretakers:
Sonya McBride and Travis
Ricky Cartwright
Sue Hagler
Helen Reynolds
Preceded in death by
Wife: Juanice Wheeler Powell
Daughter: Sheila Powell
Parents: Irl H. and Oma Tillman Powell
Brothers: Joe Frank Powell, Jack T. Powell
Brothers-in-law: Gilbert Wheeler, John Head
Pallbearers will be Joshua Powell, Don Wheeler, Brett Wheeler, Doug Wheeler, Marcy Bradberry and Ricky Cartwright. Honorary pallbearers will be Lewis Runnels, Jack Bradberry, Bobby Collins, Doyle Carter, Henry Whittlesey and Lamar Smith.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shelbyville Cemetery, c/o Jack Bradberry, PO Box 453, Shelbyville, Texas 75973, c/o Greg Powell, PO Box 335, Shelbyville, Texas 75973.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com