James Thomas Powell

James Thomas Powell age 82, died at home on July 25, 2026, surrounded by family, after a long illness.

Jim was born July 1, 1944, to William and Mona Powell in Stillwater, Minnesota. He graduated from Stillwater High School in 1962, and the University of Minnesota four years later with a degree in psychology. Jim worked as a U of MN Alumni Representative, in criminal justice as a probation officer and finally at McGee Engineering. He and his brother Dan took over the business when Jim’s father in law retired, and it became Powell, McGee Associates, Inc.

Jim loved to fish and cooked them with expertise. He hunted and participated in hunt tests with the Labrador Retrievers he loved.

Since the day he brought a pony home in the back seat of his 1946 Plymouth, Jim loved and owned several horses. The Black Hills of South Dakota were his favorite place and there he built a rustic cabin and later a home with a beautiful mountain view. A fan of country music, he insisted on sitting in the front row where those around him were discouraged from speaking over the music.

Jim was also an author of a book of poetry by The Phantom Poet of the Black Hills, including a poem well-loved in some circles entitled “Colonoscopy” which would have made the world a better place, had it appeared in the New Yorker Magazine. This was the magazine’s loss.

He also wrote three books in the Cowboy Action Social Justice Love Story genre and had another one in progress that he requested be finished by his loving wife with help from his sister. In respect for Jim, the women will all be beautiful and the dogs heroic.

Above all, Jim loved his wife Edie, his children and grandchildren, and their large blended family.

Jim is preceded in death by his father, William Powell; his mother, Mona Powell; and his brother, Daniel Powell. He is survived by his wife, Edie Abnet Powell; his children, Debra Powell, Michelle King (Steve, sons Carter and Sam), and James Powell Jr.; well as his siblings and their spouses, William Powell, Jr. (Elaine), Richard Powell, (Susan), Lori Powell Gordon (Stan Ross), Robert Powell (Leta), and sister in law, Linda Carlson Powell (Daniel). Too numerous to list are those who called him Uncle Jim.

His step children are Christopher Vendel (Anne Dussol, daughter Amelia Maddocks, son Dylan), Jennifer Cristini (Vittorio, son Giovanni, daughters Gabriella, Tizita), Meagen Zimick (Christopher, daughter Lily), and Sarah Miller.

He was never too busy for any of the children who came into his life, no matter how they were connected to him. He would kneel down and step into whatever imaginary world they had created, giving them his full attention as though nothing else mattered. Some people leave behind possessions. Jim left behind stories that will continue to be told, lessons that will continue to be shared, and a family that will forever carry his love forward.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Bradshaw in Stillwater, Minnesota. Please watch for additional details to come at bradshawfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice in Jim’s memory.