James "Jim" Powell

James “Jim” Powell, 83, of Pampa, passed away peacefully at his home on June 10, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Hobart Baptist Church, with Rev. Norman Rushing, a lifelong friend and retired Baptist minister, officiating. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Jim was born on April 16, 1943, at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, to Buck and Leona Powell. Following his father’s discharge from military service, the family moved to Dimmitt, where Jim spent his childhood learning auto mechanics, farming and ranching. In high school he loved sports and graduated as a proud Bobcat from Dimmitt High.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Jim proudly answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force, where he served as a Crew Chief. While in the Air Force, a service buddy arranged a blind date that would change his life forever. There, he met the love of his life, Donna Ervin. The two were married on August 21, 1965, in Dimmitt and shared more than 60 years of unwavering love, devotion, and partnership while raising two children together.

After completing his military service, Jim began a distinguished career in law enforcement. He served with the Garland Police Department from 1966 to 1968 before being accepted into the Texas Department of Public Safety as a State Trooper in 1968. Over the next 27 years, Jim faithfully served the people of Texas, ultimately retiring in 1995 as the Highway Patrol Sergeant in Pampa.

Service was the defining theme of Jim’s life. Following his retirement from law enforcement, he answered another calling by entering full-time pastoral ministry. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church in Howardwick from 1995 to 2000 and then Hobart Baptist Church in Pampa from 2000 to 2010. Even after retiring from full-time ministry, Jim continued to share God’s Word, serving as a pulpit supply minister at Calvary Baptist Church in Panhandle until 2023. During his ministry, he earned a Bachelor of Ministry degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Jim’s life was firmly rooted in his faith, his family, and his community. He possessed a sharp intellect, deep wisdom, and a servant’s heart. Known as a “teacher-preacher,” Jim had a remarkable ability to make difficult concepts understandable and to guide others through life’s challenges with patience, insight, and biblical truth. Whether offering advice, encouragement, or simply a listening ear, he was always willing to help those in need. His steadfast faith, strong convictions, generous spirit, and genuine compassion touched countless lives.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Buck and Leona Powell, and by his beloved grandson, Chance.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Donna Powell; his son, Corey Powell; his daughter, Julie Saiz and husband Robert; three granddaughters, Mackenzie Torres and husband Jacob, Sammie Powell and Kristian Tucker, and Jordan Powell; four great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Kamdyn, Beau, and Kolbie; his sister, Wilda Wright and husband Dee; his sister-in-law, Caryl Todd and husband Wayne; and numerous other cherished family members and friends.

Jim’s legacy of faith, service, integrity, and love will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know him.