Jim E. Powers

Jim E. Powers was born Dec. 5th,1928 in Conrad to L.F. and Grace Powers, joining his older siblings, Eileen and Roy with Denise joining the family 14 years later. Jimmie grew up on the farm south of Valier and went to school at the Frances Heights country school before attending Valier. After graduating in 1947, he worked on the family farm with his dad and brother, Roy.

In December 1949, he married his high school sweetheart, Darleen Embody. Jim and Darleen moved into their new 3 room house he and Turkey Stevens built.  Jim and Darleen welcomed their first child, Doug, in 1953, followed by Donita in ’54, and Julene in ’59. They moved out to the country in ’65 enjoying life on the farm.

Jim was actively involved in many groups supporting the Valier community. He was member and treasurer of the Valier Methodist Church, Valier Community Club, Odd Fellows and the Horizon Lodge Board. Jim and Darleen enjoyed square dancing around the area. Dad liked spending time with kids, teasing them and teaching them. Whether it was at Rifle Club, Boy Scouts, taking the MYF kids roller skating or driving the school and team buses. There was never anyone Dad wouldn’t be happy to sit down and visit with.

Jim and Darleen enjoyed driving around the US visiting family and friends, loving to travel to new places. Together they moved back into Valier in 2013, later spending the winters in the Horizon Lodge. Jim had to move to the extended care last spring with his health in decline. Being married for 72 years, Jim and Darleen spent every day on the phone to one another, calling multiple times to keep each other company.

Jim is survived by his wife of 72 years, Darleen; children, Doug (Ruth) Powers and Julene (Terry) Peters; son-in-law, Monty Johnson; brother, Roy Powers; sister, Denise (Wayne) Agee; grandchildren, Luke (Karli) Redd, Jace Redd, Maaika Powers, Hayley Richards, Cassie (Mack) Andrews, Steven Peters, Brett Peters; and 7 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Donita Johnson; parents, LF and Grace Powers; sister and brother-in-law, Eileen and Guy Parnell; and sister-in-law, Betty Powers.

Memorials may be sent to the Valier Methodist Church or Yellowstone Boys Ranch.

Funeral services will be Thursday, September 2, at 2:00PM at Valier Methodist Church. A reception at the church will follow the burial.