James Powell, Jr.

James Tillman "Jim" Powell, Jr., age 86, passed away on Thursday, April 4, 2013 at The Homestead. He was a resident of Haywood County for most of his life and was the son of the late, James Tillman Powell, Sr., and Essie Brown Powell. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Dr. William H. Powell. Jim was a 1944 graduate of Canton High School. He enrolled in Wake Forest University, then joined the U. S. Navy and served in World War II. He then returned to Wake Forest University and graduated in 1949 with a B.S. Degree in Business Administration. Jim was a graduate of the National Hardwood Lumber Inspection School and joined his family lumber business and became president of the Canton Hardwood Company until his retirement. Following retirement, Jim continued to "check on" his family business with daily office visits. Jim was past director of the National Hardwood Lumber Association, past president of Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers, Inc., and past president of Appalachian Lumberman's Club. Jim was former director of Canton Savings and Loan which became RBC Centura Bank. He was a former local board member of First Citizens Bank, and past president and current active member of Canton Lions Club for over 60 years. He was a lifelong member and former trustee of Canton First Baptist Church. Jim was a former pitcher for Champion YMCA softball team. His favorite pastime was golfing and he was a longtime member of Springdale Country Club. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jean Tucker Powell; three sons, James T. "Jimmy" Powell, III and his wife, Sharon, Gerald W. "Jerry" Powell and his wife, Deb, and Jeffrey B. Powell and his wife, Tammy, all of Canton; five grandchildren, Ben Powell and his wife, Heather, of Canton, Lauren Powell of Asheville, Jeff Powell, Jr., David Powell, and Shay Powell all of Canton; and a great-granddaughter, Olivia Powell. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 8, 2013, at the Canton Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with the Reverend James A. Meadows officiating. Burial will follow at Bon-A-Venture Cemetery, Old Clyde Road. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Wells Greeley, Rego Jones, Michael Smathers, Ronnie Sprinkle, Robert Campbell, Jerry Caldwell, David Pressley, Eric Zachary, Bobby Kearse, Steve Hyatt, and David Chason. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Canton Lions Club. Memorials may be made to the Benevolence Fund of Canton First Baptist Church, 74 Academy Street, Canton, NC 28716.

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