James Powell, 89
Daily Inter-Lake | UPDATED 1 hour, 38 minutes AGO
James “Jim” Powell, 89, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026, in Kalispell.
Jim was born in 1936 in Great Falls, to Minta and Carroll Wayne Powell. He graduated from Great Falls High School and served in the United States Navy, including a tour of duty in the Philippines. He went on to a 35-year career with the Montana Department of Highways (now the Montana Department of Transportation), retiring in 1993 as Testing Lab Supervisor.
In 1961, Jim married Lois Thorson in Plentywood, Montana. They made their home in Great Falls before moving to Kalispell in 2014.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Minta and Carroll Wayne Powell; his brothers, Wesley and Carroll; and his sister, Dorothy. He is survived by his wife of over 64 years, Lois Powell; his daughter, Stephanie; his son, Mike; his grandchildren, Adison, McKaynee, Derik (Maggie), and Tyler (Taylor); two great-grandchildren; and his sisters, Ruby and Betty.
No formal services are planned. A celebration of Jim's life will be held at the family cabin in August.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Warriors & Quiet Waters Foundation: warriorsandquietwaters.org.