Dr. James R. Powell, Jr

POWELL, Dr. James R., Jr Of Portage Passed away Sunday morning at the University of Michigan Hospital. Jim was born December 29, 1937 in Pittsburgh, PA the son of James R. and Judith Russell Powell and had been a resident in the Portage area since 1974. Prior to his retirement in 1995, Jim worked for over 20 years with the Upjohn Company as a Senior Information Scientist. Jim was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and sang in the church choir. He was also a founding member of the Kalamazoo Singers and a member of AES Audio Engineering Society. Jim enjoyed writing and his newfound hobby, camping with Judy. He wrote 3 technical publications entitled AUDIO FILE TECHNICAL GUIDE TO 78 RPM, TRANSCRIPTION AND MICROGROOVE RECORDINGS, PLAYBACK EQUALIZER SETTINGS FOR 78 RPM RECORDINGS and BROADCAST TRANSCRIPTION DISCS that won awards and also enjoyed writing editorials to the Kalamazoo Gazette. On September 11, 1965 he was united in marriage to Lois Jean Dunlap who preceded him in death on January 8, 1998. On August 21, 2004 he was united in marriage to the former Judith Sanford, who survives. Also surviving are his 2 sons, James R. III Marcie Powell, Jonathan Dawn Powell; step-sons, Dean Diana Groendal, Matt Susie Groendal; 8 grandchildren, Jay, Christopher, Corinn, Elizabeth, Rosalie, Michelle, Jon, and Dakota; a sister and 2 brothers, Dorothy Greet, Russell Beverly Powell, John Karen Powell; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A service to celebrate Jim?s life will be held 11:00 o?clock Friday at the First Presbyterian Church, 321 W. South St. with Rev. Wayne M. Conner officiating. Friends may meet the family Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8pm at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre St. Private family interment will be in Central Portage Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Lois Jean Powell Sacred Music Composition Fund at First Presbyterian Church.