James Michael Powell Sr., of Lakeland, Florida, passed away on September 27, 2026, at 79 years old. He was born on June 13, 1947, in East St. Louis, Illinois and moved to Florida when he was just 8 years old. 

On January 21, 1966, he married Judith Powell. They spent 57 years together and made Lakeland their home for over 40 years with their three children Denise, James Jr. and Andrew until she preceded him in death in 2023. 

James is survived by his children, Denise (Danny) Borror, James (Belinda) Powell Jr. and Andy (Nichole) Powell. He is also survived by his sisters, Sandy Brown and Marilyn Flashkamp. His memory will live on in his grandchildren, Robert Coon, Heather Coon, James Powell Jr., Jeremy Powell, Abigail Powell, Eli Powell, Sadie Powell, and Evan Powell, his great-grandchildren, Makayla Borror, Marley Phillips, Colton Coon and Delilah and in his great-great grandson Zakai Mobly along with many nieces and nephews. 

A funeral service will be held on October 6, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Homes, 3350 Mall Hill Drive, Lakeland, Florida 33810.

James will be remembered with love by his family and by all who knew him.