James "Jim" Powers

James (JP) Stevenson Powers passed away July 17, 2023 at his home after a long illness. He was born May 5, 1938 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Jack and Mary Powers who were from Waterford, Ireland. He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers David Powers and Richard Powers. The Powers family moved to Columbus, Ohio when JP was a small child.

He joined the Army in 1956 and stayed in it for the next 30 years. He was stationed in London, England where he met his former wife, Anne. JP is survived by 3 children, Lynn (Mike) Cornett, Julie (Mark) Morgan and Mark Powers, 4 grandchildren; Sean (Asia) Cornett, Brian Cornett, Ashley Morgan and Makenna Morgan, 1 great grandson; Hayden Cornett. He was preceded in death by 2 children, Robert and Karen, both infants.

JP enjoyed food and was able to sample different foods as he traveled around the world for the Army. He became airborne and was part of the ‘First of the 501st’. After that he went into extensive training as Special Forces before being deployed to Viet Nam where he served from 1967 to 1971.

He was a drill Sergeant at Fort Knox and also a recruiting Sergeant. He retired as First Sergeant and acting Master Sergeant where he was stationed at Fort Benjamin Harrison here in Indianapolis. After retirement, he became the State Adjutant of the DAV for Indiana where he served for 10 years.

Because he enjoyed food, he had the opportunity to go to Second Helpings where he completed a course in cooking. This was a dream of his to become a chef. This course gave him the desire to go further so he enrolled at Ivy Tech in Indianapolis where he completed an associate degree. JP was certified in both culinary and pastry. During his time at Ivy Tech, he had the opportunity to take the trip to Leonne, France. This excited him so much that after graduation, he went to Kingsway College in London for 2 years. Once again completing both culinary and pastry. JP also took a couple of weeks to go to Brussels, Belgium to be certified as a chocolatier.

While in London studying at Kingsway, he met Carol Davis online in 2006. They began a long-distance relationship that soon blossomed. When he returned to Indiana, JP and Carol were devoted to each other and were together until his passing. She was at his side at the end, holding his hand. During their long years together, he grew to love her children and grandchildren as his own.

He will be sadly missed by all that knew him.