Fallen Hero: Retired Master Sergeant James H. Powell

Soso

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Funeral Home

Colonial Funeral Home

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Obituary

Military Service Tribute, Honors, and Obituary:
Recognizing and Honoring a Fallen Hero, Who Served Within the Mississippi National Guard. “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten”.

In recognition of our proud American tradition of honorable service which our military men and women have given to their country and our State, we honor a Fallen Hero. Our nation, our state, and the National Guard Association of MS (NGAMS) regard the memorializing of its retired military deceased as an honorable and sacred obligation.
Another great Soldier and Fallen Hero has been released from duty, passed from our ranks on July 24, 2024 and has moved on to his heavenly home. Retired Master Sergeant James H. Powell, age 87, who had served within the MSARNG in the HHC,184th Transportation Brigade has departed and gone to a better place with our good Lord.

It takes a special person to serve within the military for their country, giving up their family time, comfort, and safety for their country, ultimately for all Americans to enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life. We now applaud you for your service to our country. A special message from General Douglas McArthur remains applicable today for our servicemen that have passed: “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away”.

Rest in Peace Soldier. We applaud your patriotism, sacrifices, and brave efforts in serving our country and your family for their support of your service. We thank you for your service. Without your efforts and your families’ support, our country would not stand so boldly, shine so bright, and live so free.

You now have earned a rest, so go fly with the Angels, go rest high on that mountain; your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a-shoutin’ Love for the Father and the Son.

Another great Soldier has gone home, “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten, Soldier for Life”.

Obituary, Visitation, and Service details:
February 9, 1937 – July 24, 2024

James H. ‘Jimmy Hayse’ Powell 87 of Soso, MS, passed from this life July 24, 2024. He was born February 9, 1937, in Soso, Mississippi.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 12:00PM until 2:00PM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel in 4593 Indian Springs Rd, Laurel, MS. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 2:00PM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel, MS. Burial will follow in Calhoun Cemetery in Laurel, Mississippi. Tyler Powell will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. 601-649-3342.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Virginia Miller Powell, two sons, James Timothy “Tim” (Becky), and Tyler D. Powell (Donna). Grandsons, James Caleb Powell (Hayden), Matthew D. Powell, and Timothy L. Powell, Great Grandson, James Griffen “Griff”, and on the way, our long-awaited Great Granddaughter, Olivia Meritt. Siblings, Barbara Seals, Mary Nell McCraw; sister-in-law, Mary Sue Powell, Linda “Dinky” Parker, Joe H. Powell (Latrice), Edward K. Powell (Janice), a host of nieces and nephews, and extended much loved family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tillis G. and Bertha Mae Powell, brother, T. Allen Powell (Mary Sue), brother-in-law, Ronnie Joe Parker (Linda), and grandson, Ethan D. Powell son of Tyler and Donna Powell.

Jimmy was a retired Master Plumber, retired Master Sergeant in the Mississippi Army National Guard, a highly decorated active-duty Military Police during the 1960’s. He was a legend among his many customers and friends over the years and known by many as Jimmy… or “Jimmy the Plumber”. He was a fantastic musician, beginning in the 40’s as a fiddle player (no violin here!). He soon switched to his beloved guitar- he played on stage at different points with many “famous” folks: sharing a stage at the Jimmy Rogers Festival with Elvis in the early 50’s, only to see Elvis’ career explode in the following year, as well as the likes of Ernest Tubb and Porter Wagner. His favorite to “pick” with was always his beloved brother Allen, who was also one the finest musicians to ever pick up a guitar. Jimmy will be sorely missed by his friends, customers, but none more than his beloved family! He was and will always be Daddy to us.

Jimmy was a born-again believer who was a faithful servant to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and to his church family of Soso First Baptist Church. He served as Deacon, Sunday School Director, and on many committees. He served his church’s praise team with his phenomenal guitar abilities. He was a highly trusted friend and brother to many! One of our most memorable conversations was about his “funeral” … Dad instructed me, “Son, I don’t want anyone talking about “me” … you stand up, open your Bible and preach The Gospel! Give people an opportunity to be saved!”