James Michael Powers II

James Michael Powers II, known as "Michael" to family and "Mike" to friends, passed away Dec. 26, 2025, while visiting family in Libby, Montana. He was 62.

Born Aug. 7, 1963, in San Diego, California, to Georgine and James Micheal Powers Sr., Michael grew up a military brat, moving coast to coast before his family settled in Libby in 1980. Even as a child, his intelligence stood out—classmates nicknamed him "The Professor" in elementary school and he once insisted on taking the Webster’s dictionary with him while staying the night with a friend!

Michael attended high school in Libby and Spokane before moving to Missoula to study psychology at the University of Montana. He found his home there and never left—to him, Missoula was the epicenter of the universe. He walked everywhere, knew every corner of his beloved city, and embraced a life of simplicity and sustainability long before it was fashionable.

A jack of all trades, Michael worked as a server, actor, hotel manager and teepee builder, amongst other endeavors, varied occupations and pastimes. He greatly enjoyed his most recent job working in a local thrift store, frequently donated blood at The Red Cross, and was a regular in the cultural art and music scene in downtown Missoula.

Music was Michael's true passion. A self-taught guitarist who also played violin, ukulele and piano, he collected vinyl albums and loved rebuilding old stereo amplifiers. His son Jared once described his apartment as "the lovechild of Radio Shack and Section 8 housing." He enjoyed cooking from scratch and was an avid reader who loved history and science fiction novels.

Michael was brilliant, funny, fiercely frugal and a champion for the underdog. He believed in peace, love and equality for all. He marched to the beat of his own drum and lived authentically, never wavering in who he was, even if it went against the grain of convention. Though he often carried a quiet melancholy, Michael was quick with witty retorts, loved being silly and playful, had a ready laugh and was personable, friendly and generous to all walks of life.

Michael is survived by his mother Georgine Powers of Libby; son Jared Satterlund of Libby and grandchildren Samantha, Westin and Bennett; daughter Jennifer (Powers) Brekke, son-in-law Caleb and granddaughter Ada of Missoula; brother Mitch Powers of Libby; sister Maria (Powers) Fox and brother-in-law Chad of Colville, Washington; and many extended family members.

A private service for family and invited guests will be held March 13, 2026, at Schnackenberg & Riddel Funeral Home in Libby with a graveside service following.