James Ray Powell was born June 5th or 6th, 1922, in Smithfield, West Virginia to Grace Mae and William Joseph Powell. He graduated from Smithfield High School in 1941, then went to work for the Glen L. Martin Co., subsequently carrying mail for the U.S. Postal Service before being called to service during World War II. He proudly served with the 457th Air Service Squadron in North Africa and Italy. Part of his basic training was conducted at Central State College in Edmond, Oklahoma. After the war, he returned home to West Virginia. In January of 1946, he told his mother, "I want to go back to that school in Oklahoma and get my education." Shortly after that long train ride to Oklahoma, he met Edith Lois Mills and his days as a West Virginia hillbilly were over. They were married on May 25, 1947. He passionately loved his family and was the most loving and caring husband and Dad to his 3 children: David, Jim Ray, and Janey. Jim taught for 34 years in the Oklahoma City Public Schools, First at Southeast High School where he taught Art. During this time, he obtained his Masters Degree from Oklahoma University. He ended his career at Jefferson Middle School in 1983 where he taught history and social studies. Jim touched the lives of thousands over the years and anyone who ever sat in his class room will remember "Mr. Powell." Jim is reunited in Heaven with his parents, great-grandson, Kanon Laisle and sister, Irene Robey. He is survived by his wife of almost 69 years, Edith; sister, Helen Payne of Richmond Virginia; his brother, Earl Mills and wife Sandy; son, David and wife Teresa; son, Jim Ray and wife Mary; and daughter, Janey and husband Steve Black; grandchildren, Tracy Williams, Denton Powell, Jeffrey Black, Jenny Laisle, Jeremy Black, Stacey Powell, Diana McElroy, and Sarah Brumley; great-grandchildren, Anthony, Alec, Connor, Asher, JJ, Jace, Kaden, Kash, Kree, K James (due June, 2016), Heidi, Halle, Garrett, Gunner, and Colby. Also, many more nieces and nephews who all loved him dearly. JOHN 11: 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the Life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26 and whoever lives and believes me will never die. Do you believe this" Dad believed! He was an active member of Cornerstone United Methodist Church (formerly May Avenue UMC) and occupied that 9th pew every Sunday that he could. His spirit will continue to be there every Sunday but now he will be able to hear Pastor Brad's sermons. Visitation and viewing will be held Thursday, March 31st from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Funeral Services will be Friday, April 1st at 2:00pm at Mercer Adams Funeral Home, 3925 N. Asbury, Bethany, OK. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Children's Ministries at Cornerstone United Methodist Church, 2604 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73107. Funeral Service Friday, April 1, 2016 02:00 PM Mercer-Adams Chapel 3925 N. Asbury Bethany, OK 73008