James "Jim" Franklin Powell, 79, of Copemish, died Sunday, November 21, 2021.  He was born December 29, 1941, in Pontiac, the son of Joseph and Bertha (Coleman) Powell.

Jim was a proud lifetime member of the Operating Engineers Local #324, where he helped to build many of Michigan's bridges, high rises, and towers.  He would often boast that he was once at the highest point in Detroit working a crane atop the Renaissance Center.

Jim liked a clean good-looking car, fishing, hunting, music, family barbecues, playing cards, a sharp knife, a good western movie (Audie Murphy), sports, and Tom Brady!  He loved his wife, Judy, fiercely; he prized his children.  Jim was steadfast and honest, and always strived to work hard and leave a good impression.  He was a good man!

He was a trusted navigator; if you ever needed directions or were lost, you called Jim.  A marksman, he could shoot the head off a dandelion with a long bow at 20 yards.  He aways greeted people with excitement and a nickname of some sort: "Boss, Guy, Sweetheart," or "Hey hey, look who it is" followed by your full name, usually followed by "You lost?" and a wink.  Any visit with Jim surely included a laugh and smile.

Hey Boss, we'll miss those brilliant blue eyes of yours!

Jim is survived by: his children, Diane (David) Reid, David (Marlene) Powell, and Jody (William III) Reedy; grandchildren, Brandon (Jessica) Powell, Caitlin Reid (Chris Cumming), Zachary (Erin) Foggo, Lea (Andrew) Powell, Tess (Jason) Peterman, Cameron (Heather) Foggo, and Andrew (Katie) Reid; great-grandchildren, Raelyn, Conner, & Kaylee Powell, Charlotte Peterman, and Liam Foggo; sisters, Eileen (Max) Stanger and Eleanor Doan; cousin and treasured friends Terry and Mary Hopewell; precious aunt, Norma Cavalier; sisters-in-law, Barbara (David) McLeod-Hales and Marlaine McLeod; and many more cousins, nieces and nephews.

On September 7, 1963, Jim married Judith Ann McLeod who preceded him in death on December 23, 2013.  He was also preceded in death by: his parents; brother, WIlliam (Patricia) Powell; brothers-in-law, Albert "Jimmy" Doan and John "Jack" McLeod; and beloved dogs, Beau and Abby Girl.

Miss Me But Let Me Go (unknown author)

When I come to the end of the day,

And the sun has set for me.

I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little, but not too long.

And not with your head bowed low.

Remember the love we once shared--

Miss me, but let me go.

This is a journey we all must take,

and each must go alone.

A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick at heart,

Go to the friends we know,

Bury your sorrows in doing good deeds-

Miss me, but let me go.

In keeping with Jim's wishes, no services will be held.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Kingsley Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com