James C. Powell was born on February 4, 1933 in St Louis, Missouri to George Powell and Ethel Travis. His parents and 3 sisters, Ethel Brown, Jimmie Hanks and Georgie Gallion preceded him in death.

James grew up in St Louis, Missouri. He attended St Louis Public Schools. In 1950, James joined the Army and served in the Korean War. He received an Honorable discharge. James returned home from the Army with a lot of zeal and hope for his future. He worked various jobs until his retirement.

James loved music, fishing and watching wrestling and western movies on television. On any given day you could find him on the boat or playing bingo.

James departed this life on February 9, 2016 at John Cochran Veterans Hospital with his family there beside him.

James leaves to cherish his memory six daughters, Michelle Manning, Carrie (Jerome) Jackson, Cheryl (Johnny) Cunningham, Delphine Gillespie, Vanessa Powell and Erica Powell, five sons, James Powell Jr., Terrence Powell, Malcolm Powell, Heron Powell and Cedric Fuller, six nieces, Barbara Bowens (#1), Dionne Jardon, Gloria Henderson, Debra Gallion, Melissa Henderson and Phylliss Jackson, three nephews, Irving (Linda) Hanks, Jeremiah (Florence) Gallion and Andrew Jackson Jr., 27 grandchildren, 1 granddaughter preceded him in death, 19 great grandchildren, 15 great great grandchildren, 3 great great great grandchildren, 1 preceded him in death, 38 great nieces and nephews, 51 great great nieces and nephews, 24 great great great nieces and nephews and many friends.