James Edward Powell, Jr. (Jim), 73 of Rising Sun, Maryland died at home on June 6, 2017. Jim was born August 19, 1943 in San Antonio, Texas where his father was stationed during WWII. The majority of childhood was spent in Milledgeville, Georgia with his parents, the late James E. Powell, Sr. and the lateContinue Reading
James Edward Powell, Jr. (Jim), 73 of Rising Sun, Maryland died at home on June 6, 2017.
Jim was born August 19, 1943 in San Antonio, Texas where his father was stationed during WWII. The majority of childhood was spent in Milledgeville, Georgia with his parents, the late James E. Powell, Sr. and the late Georgina (Rabb) Powell and sister. Childhood was enhanced by playing the trombone, acting as drum major of the marching band and scouting activities (achieving the rank of Eagle Scout). He graduated from Baldwin High School in 1961.
University days were spent at Rice University in Houston,Texas earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1965. Further study continued at MIT (Cambridge, MA) where he was awarded a PhD in the field of organic chemistry in 1969. Jim worked as a chemist for Shell Development Co, Biological Sciences Research Center (Modesto, California) 1969-1986 until becoming associated with the DuPont Company in Delaware working at Stine-Haskell Research Center until his retirement in 2003.
Jim served as a Lions Club member in California and Maryland for 40 years. He was secretary of Ripon (CA) Lions Club for five years and Rising Sun Lion’s Club for several years. He served as leader and participant of a group of club members dedicated to keeping a stretch of road leading into Rising Sun tidy for two decades. Jim prepared used eyeglasses for recycling and distribution to the needy.
The joy of being outdoors appreciating nature was a major part of his life. He became an avid backcountry mountain hiker in Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. He joyously walked the ancient footpaths in rural England while living there, and later participated in Wilmington Trail Club walks. He pursued almond farming in Ripon, CA, enjoyed Cecil County’s agricultural landscape and wildlife, as well as puttering around his farm. Alaskan salmon fishing excursions became a regular anticipated activity.
Jim’s honesty and positive attitude plus his thoughtful, responsible character made him the ideal husband for wife, Marilyn, for 42 years. He is the father of Richard M. Powell (Toileen) of Texas and Laura L. Harris (Andre) of Pennsylvania; grandfather of Myles and Ava Grace. He also leaves sister, Georgina Donnelly of South Carolina and three nieces and one nephew.
Impressed by the majesty of the Redwoods of California, Jim was a longtime supporter of the Save the Redwoods League. A Memorial Grove dedication will provide the backdrop for his memorial service at a later date under the guidance of the Save the Redwoods League.
With gratitude for the care of Amedisys Hospice of Elkton, MD.
Memorial contributions may be made payable to the “Save the Redwoods League”, “Rising Sun Lions Club” or any charity of choice and sent in care of R.T. Foard Funeral Home, P.A., P.O. Box 248, Rising Sun, MD 21911.
