James F. Powers, 76, of West Springfield, formerly of Westfield, passed away Thurs Nov. 8, 2018. He was born in Springfield, MA on Sept. 23, 1942 to the late Francis and Margaret Powers. Jim was a graduate of Springfield Technical High School, the University of Massachusetts and Western New England School of Law. He served in the Coast Guard Reserves after graduating from UMass. A quiet and humble man, Jim began his career as a claims adjuster for Reliance Insurance Company, and then worked for many years as an attorney for Nationwide Insurance. He was an avid Boston sports fan, and he especially loved horse racing, often traveling to Saratoga, as well as the Kentucky Derby. Jim was a long-standing member of the Elk’s Lodge. He enjoyed music and spending time with all of his grandchildren. He was very proud of all of them, attending their baseball games, hockey games and dance recitals.
Jim leaves his loving wife of 53 years, Judyth (LaFleur) Powers, with whom he loved traveling and watching Jeopardy, his three sons; Kevin and his wife Kristine of Franklin, MA., Timothy and his wife Anne-Louise of Westfield, MA., and Patrick and his wife Elizabeth of Swansea, MA., his six grandchildren, Kevin Jr., Marissa, Colin, Danielle, Quinton and Jude and also his Aunt, Ruth Perreault. He was predeceased by his brother Michael.
A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held FRI 10 AM in St. Thomas Church, 47 Pine St., W. Spfld. Burial will follow in St. Thomas Cemetery. Calling Hours will be held THURS from 4 to 7 PM at the TOOMEY-O’BRIEN FUNERAL HOME, 1043 WESTFIELD ST., W. SPFLD. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942
