James Kenneth Powless Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

James Kenneth Powless, age 66, of Marion, passed away at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2015, in Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. He was born on April 9, 1949, in Carbondale, IL the son of Kenneth Barnett Powless and Emily Mary (Cygnar) Powless. He was united in marriage to Susan Elizabeth Reed on Saturday, June 13, 1970, in Marion, IL and together they have shared over forty-four years of marriage. Jim obtained a BS in finance in 1971 and a Juris Doctor in 1974, from the University of Illinois in Champaign, IL. He practiced law in Marion and owned William County Title and Abstract. He was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church of Marion. Jim enjoyed fishing, reading, cooking, tinkering, teaching, and listening to folk music. He was selfless, performing acts of service for people without hesitation. He enjoyed volunteering for the Marion Regional Humane Society and substitute teaching for Marion and Carterville school districts. He was a “Dad” to many of his daughters’ friends and invested many years coaching summer softball league. His patience, laugh, humor, and love will be celebrated and remembered. He is survived by his wife, Susan E. Powless of Marion; two daughters and son-in-law, Sarah Filkins of Champaign, IL, and Jamie and Will Miller of Herrin, IL; three grandsons, Colin Filkins, Jack Miller, and Finnegan Miller; sisters, Linda Powless of Marion and Catherine Powless of Glen Ellen, IL; brother and sister-in-law, David and Patty Powless of Marion; mother–in-law, Carol Pullis of Marion; several nephews and nieces; many friends; and the many students whom he enjoyed teaching in the Marion Unit 2 and Carterville Unit 5 school districts. He was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law, George Pullis. Arrangements for James K. Powless were entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, of Marion, IL. Visitation was from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21st, at the funeral home. During the time of visitation a “Reflection of Life” DVD Memorial Tribute featuring special people, places and events of Jim’s life was presented to the family and friends. The funeral service was at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2015, at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, with Rev. Dr. Tim Ozment and Pastor David Miller presiding. The eulogy and comments of memory were presented by Jim’s sister, Linda Powless. The prelude and postlude musical selections were presented by pianist, Judy Hopkins. Special musical selections presented during the service were “Psalm 62” as a recorded selection and “The Lord’s Prayer” as a congregational hymn, led by Sarah Marsh and accompanied by pianist, Judy Hopkins. Interment followed in Rose Hill Cemetery of Marion, IL. Honorary pallbearers were Dr. Herman Lyle and Tom Dibble. Active pallbearers were Nick Powless, Bill Nielsen, Scott Verbest, David Counts, Hank Counts and Ryan Abney. Following the service the family and friends gathered at Aldersgate United Methodist Church for a meal and continued time of fellowship and support. For those who preferred, memorial contributions were made to “Aldersgate United Methodist Church Youth Ministries” or the animal rescue groups “Crittergal Rescue” or “Angelina Foundation”. Memorial contribution envelopes were available at the funeral home or were mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, IL 62959. For additional information please contact the funeral home by calling 618-993-2131.

James Kenneth Powless

April 9, 1949 - April 18, 2015