James Powers

Mr. James “Jim” Powers, age 89, of Nashville passed away Sunday, May 24, 2020 at Thornapple Manor, in Hastings. Jim was born in Vermontville on October 23, 1930, the son of the late Thomas and Bernadine (White) Powers.
He was raised in the Vermontville and Nashville areas and attended local schools. Immediately after his schooling, Jim enlisted in the United State Army. He was the widower of Elaine (Downing) Powers. The couple was married Oct 6, 1952 in Fort Wayne and made their home together in the Nashville area where they raised their family together.
After being honorably discharged from US Army, Jim began working at Oldsmobile in Lansing, and later became a supervisor at Clark Equipment where he was employed for over 10 years. After leaving Clark Equipment, Jim took a job at Morman Feed Company as the lead mechanic overseeing the companies vehicles. It was during his time at Morman Feed, that he was able to pursue his passion for automobile restoration, as he refurbished may older vehicles for the company’s owner. In 1971, Jim purchased the Shell Station in Nashville, which he operated successfully until 1990 when it was sold. Jim was a hard worker, who’s passion for automotive mechanics expanded when he purchased a new building in town and opened his own auto repair facility where he worked until 2005 when he retired after being injured.
In his spare time, Jim enjoyed spending time with his family. The family cabin in Luther, Mich. was always a favorite destination when traveling. It was not uncommon for Jim and Elaine to pack up their Winnabago and visit various destinations throughout Michigan. After retiring Jim spent his winters enjoying the warmer climate on South Padre Island in Texas.
Jim is survived by his three daughters, Sharon Varney, Margaret Felder, Maryellen (T.R. ) Myers; two sons, James M. (Dawn) Powers; Patrick (Linda) Powers, 13 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Elaine, three brothers, Glenn “Ed,” Lewis, and Milton Powers, and son-in law Richard Varney.
Funeral services were held at the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville on Thursday, May 28, with Pastor Jeff Hodge officiating. Jim was interred at Lakeview Cemetery Nashville with full military honors provided by the United State Army. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details, please the website at danielsfuneralhome.net.