James H. Powell Sr.

LATHAM – James "Jim" H. Powell Sr., 77, of Latham, died Sunday, July 20, 2008 at The Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital after a lengthy illness.
Jim was born in Albany and was the son of the late Eleanor and Charles "Chick" Powell. He has been a resident of the Capital Region his entire life and was a graduate of C.B.A. He was a long time member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 724; he was a Master Electrician and considered an "electricians electrician". He owned and operated F.W. Newman Inc. for many years.
Jim was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a recipient of the Good Conduct Medal. In addition he was an accomplished pilot. A leader amongst men, he was a kind and generous person, a man with a big heart and an infectious sense of humor.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Ida; his children, James Jr. (Kathy) of Coeymans Hollow and Marla Bishop (James) of Latham; his stepchildren, Joan Meyer (James) of Altamont, Linda Ausfeld (Vincent) of Schenectady, Stephan Barber (Diane) of Troy, Susan Lanahan (Gary) of Round Lake, and Christina Barber of Yarmouth, Maine; 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his stepson, Ralph "Skip" Barber.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Newcomer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Avenue). Calling hours will precede the service from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family at Memory's Garden in Colonie.
The family has requested that those who wish to remember Jim make a contribution to the American Lung Association, 155 Washington Ave., Suite 210, Albany, NY 12210.