James Franklin Powell

Funeral services for James (Jim) Franklin Powell,77, of Gladewater will be 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 26, 2018 at the Croley Funeral Home Chapel in Gladewater with Bro. John McGee and Mr. Bennie Norris officiating. Interment will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 27, 2018, at Strong Cemetery in Henderson, Texas. The family will receive friends Thursday evening following the services. Mr. Powell passed away Wednesday, April 18, 2018, in Longview.

James was born March 10, 1941 in Durant, Oklahoma to Ernest Franklin Powell and Blanche Arlene Cottingame Powell. He attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University where he received his degree in Secondary Education with his Secondary Science Composite Certification and was a member of the Sig Tau Fraternity. Mr. Powell earned his Master’s Degree in Education as well as his Principal’s Certification from North Texas State University. He worked for more than 50 years in the field of education serving as a teacher, counselor, assistant principal and a principal at numerous schools throughout Texas. Among these are Richardson High School, Northwood Junior High, Tom Bean High School, Bryan Adams High School, Dillingham Middle School, Gladewater High School, Kilgore High School, Bradshaw State Jail Facility and the Billy Moore Correctional Facility. Mr. Powell was hardworking and dedicated to mentoring and molding the young people he came in contact with. He was a loving and devoted husband, father and a wonderful ‘Papa’ to his grandchildren; who were the apple of his eye. James worked tirelessly and leaves behind a legacy in education that will continue for many years to come.

He is survived by two daughters Su Layne Cox of Carthage, Texas and Dee Dee Baker, his son-in-law Steven Baker, his grandchildren Caroline, William, and Pierce of Flower Mound, His brother-in-law Ralph Page and his Nephew Craig Roberts as well as a host of many other loving family members and friends.

James is preceded in death by his loving wife of 32 years, Marilyn Powell, mother of his daughters, sister Paula Jane Powell Page, and son-in-law Kenneth Cox.

His daughters wish to extend a special thank you to Larry Gaines, Mrs. Annette Fletcher and family for their friendship to their dad.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made in Mr. Powell’s memory to The Education Foundation for Gladewater ISD at 500 Quitman Ave., Gladewater, TX 75647 or to the American Heart Association.

Online tributes and condolences can be made at www.croleyfh.net