James Powell, 78

James "Jimmy" William Powell, 78, had his own special "Homecoming" into the presence of Christ on Sunday morning, Sept. 28, 2014.

Jim was born on July 18, 1936, in Missoula, Mont. to Reverend Luther and Bessie McGinnis Powell. He was number 13 of 14 children in the family. He attended Franklin grade school, MCHS where he was actively involved in Youth for Christ, and Montana State University (now the University of Montana). Jim was a basketball standout and was inducted into the University of Montana Hall of Fame on Feb. 16, 1980. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Montana.

While attending the University, Jim met and married his lifelong love, Lee Ryan, who hailed from Evanston, Ill. They just celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. Jim and Lee have four children: Jim Jr., Tom, Julieanne, and Richard.

Upon graduation, Jim was hired by New York Life in its group insurance department in Butte, Mont. He worked there for seven years, then returned to Missoula to open his own agency, Jim Powell Insurance, which he ran for 40 years.

Jim was actively involved in the Assembly of God Church and was the chairman of the building committee which built the Christian Life Center in Missoula. He also served as a board member for the church. He belonged to the Goodfellows organization, whose mission is to help those in need, and he worked in its Missoula County Fair booth raising funds for 23 years. Jim served 12 years on the YMCA board and helped to pioneer the "Y" soccer program. He also coached YMCA boys basketball and sponsored a girls basketball team for 30 years.

Jim was a beacon of light to friends and family. He never knew a stranger and had a biding passion for God and life. He gave his time and smile freely to others, and was selfless in his devotion to family and the Missoula community. He never had an unkind word for anyone. He was a wonderful storyteller and had an incredible sense of humor. Even someone who just met him would smile and realize his genuine warmth and love.

Surviving Jim are his loving wife, Lee; son Jim Jr. (Barbara) and granddaughters Jessica and Emily; son Tom (Lynda) and grandchildren Parker and McKenna; daughter Julieanne (Eric Siweck) and grandchildren Adam, Joscelyn Cleland, Carter and Shannon Siweck; and son Richard and grandson Luther. Also holding the title of son in the family lineup is nephew Bob Powell, Jr. (Charlene) and their children Matthew, Melissa and Trevor.

The Powell family will be holding a celebration of Jim's gifted life next summer 2015. Plans are in the works for a memorial fund in Jim's name to help deserving young basketball athletes. Details will be forthcoming.

Cremation was under the care of Garden City Funeral Home & Crematory. Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.