James Byron Powell

James Byron Powell, 65, passed away at home on July 14 after battling an illness with a vengeance. Jim was born May 20, 1942 in Sedro Woolley and was raised in Kitsap County, graduating from CKHS in 1960. In 1962 Jim married Judy Schafer, raising their two children, Lori and Darin, and beginning a career at PSNS as an apprentice. Jim and Judy divorced in 1982. In 1986 Jim married Cathy Powell- Sotirokos and together they raised Cathy's little sister, Melinda. Jim retired from PSNS in 1993 as General Foreman in Shop 11. He loved his career and took pride in his crew; "his kids". That pride and fondness carried through to the end of his life. Jim was an outdoorsman from childhood. After retiring he reveled in fishing from his own dock on Watauga Beach. Jim continued gardening as he had in childhood and discovered his love for woodworking. He was a master craftsman, his pieces, some decoratively painting by Cathy, are in many Kitsap County Homes. Jim loved his friends and family, his home, his dog, the Mariners, and life. He is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Gertrude Powell, and his brothers-in-law, Irv Winters and Earl Dormeier. Jim is survived by his wife, Cathy, daughter, Lori (Erik) Green, son, Darin Powell, sister-in-law, Melinda (Justin) Cannell, sisters, Nancy Winters and Pat Dormeier, 8 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, and 8 nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank Olympic Peninsula Kidney Center, and a special thanks to Kitsap Fire District 18 for their care and compassion.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to NW Kidney Foundation, In memory of Jim Powell, PO Box 3035, Seattle, WA 98114.