James F Powell

View Video TributeView Funeral WebcastMr. James F. Powell, 87, former Columbia City Councilman and resident of Perkins Lane, died Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at Maury Regional Medical Center. A memorial service will be conducted Saturday at 12:00 noon at Riverside United Methodist Church with Rev. David Spencer officiating. The family will visit with friends from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at the church. Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. The family suggests memorials to Riverside United Methodist Church, 313 6th Avenue, Columbia, TN 38401, Maury County Library, 211 West 8th St., Columbia, TN 38401 or The American Cancer Association, P.O. Box 1864, Columbia, TN 38402. Condolences may be offered online at www.oakesandnichols.com. Born January 10, 1926 in Bloomington, Indiana, Mr. Powell was the son of the late Homer Powell and Pearl Brown Powell. He attended California Polytechnic State University where he played football, Purdue University, and earned his degree from Indiana University. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. On October 10, 1947 he married JoAnne Robinson and in 1953 he and his family moved to Tennessee where he worked as a geologist in the phosphate industry for Victor Chemical Company, Hooker and Mobil. Later he worked in numerous mining operations in Utah, Georgia, Mississippi and West Tennessee. Mr. Powell served as a Columbia City Councilman and Chairman of the Library Board. He was a member of the Maury County Tennessee Tennis Association and was an avid bowler and golfer. He was the author of four books. Mr. Powell was a Mason and a member of Riverside United Methodist Church where he served as a Sunday School teacher. Survivors include his wife of sixty-five years, JoAnne Robinson Powell of Columbia; children, Scott (Mary) Powell of Murfreesboro, Cheryl (Terry) Church and Kelly (Norma) Powell both of Columbia; grandchildren, Michelle (Chris) Leonard of Columbia, Dr. Stephanie (Dr. Rod) Thomas of Statesboro, Georgia, Dr. Heather (Dr. Ashok) Asthagiri of Charlottsville, Virginia, Dr. Ben (Jada) Powell of Memphis, Wesley (Shelaine) Powell of Collinwood; and great grandchildren, Chelsea Leonard, Ashley Leonard, Jonathan Leonard, Katherine Thomas, Rodney Thomas, Cayden Powell, Saydee Mae Powell, Avani Asthagiri, Arjun Asthagiri; and special friend, Daniel Hultin.