James Douglas "J.P." Powell

James Douglas "J.P." Powell, 62, of Oakland Ave. in Drexel went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at Valdese Hospital. He was born July 21, 1947 in Burke County and was a son of Bertha Powell of Valdese and the late Johnnie Powell. He was a US Army veteran and served during the Vietnam War. James attended church at the Drexel Christian Center, and was employed at Sypris for 30 years. He enjoyed bowling, racing, fishing, going to the auction, and collecting knives. James was devoted to his family and church.In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Marie Wilkie Powell of the home; sons, Chris Powell and wife, Beverly, of Hickory, and Keith Powell and wife, Leia, of Drexel; a daughter, Terri Causby and husband, Doug, of Glen Alpine; grandchildren, Kristen and David Benfield, Katie Causby, and James Powell, Jr.; brothers, Sonny Powell and wife, Pat, of Lenoir, Leon Powell and wife, Barbara, and Thad Powell and wife, Sandra, all of Morganton; and a sister, Wanda Mull and husband, Dennis, of Monroe, NC.Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, October 31, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Reverends Tim Smith and William Shuffler officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park with military graveside rites conducted by the Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends Saturday from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Drexel Christian Center, PO Box 2227, Drexel, NC 28619.