James “Jim” Oliver Powell, 97, passed away on Monday morning, February 8, 2021 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka, IN. He was born on January 6, 1924 in South Bend, IN, to Alexander and Frieda (Neiman) Powell, both of whom preceded him in death.

Jim graduated from Riley High School and Ivy Tech Community College in South Bend. He remained a lifelong resident of the South Bend area, after serving his country honorably in the United States Navy. Jim retired in 1988 after more than twenty years as an associate registrar at the University of Notre Dame. After retiring, he continued to work part-time for his daughter and son-in-law’s business, Michiana Window World, until 2018.

Jim loved to fish, run errands, and put together LEGOs, puzzles, and balsa wood models. He was always ready for a good laugh or coffee at Starbucks. His favorite movie was the “Odd Couple.” Jim was a positive, upbeat person, who dearly loved people. He read his Bible every day and had a genuine love for the Lord. He enjoyed caring for and feeding treats to his golden doodle, Molly.

On April 18, 1949 in South Bend, Jim married the former Rubie E. Nering, who preceded him in death on June 27, 2007. He was also preceded in death by siblings, Margaret Powell, Dorothy Powell, and Robert Powell; son-in-law, Dennis Papczynski; and daughter-in-law, Anne Hamilton.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Pamela Papczynski of Granger, IN; son, Dr. James Powell of South Bend; grandchildren, Lalita Nguyen, Ruth Powell, Zachary Papczynski, Joshua Papczynski, and Kristi Papczynski; nine great-grandchildren; and sister, Eleanora Stahl of Arizona.

Funeral services for Jim will be held at 11:30am on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at Palmer Funeral Home—Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN. Pastor David L. Klahr will officiate. Graveside services with military honors will follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in South Bend. Friends may visit with the family from 4:00-7:00pm on Monday, February 15th as well as from 10:30-11:30am on Tuesday, February 16th at the funeral home.

Contributions in memory of Jim may be donated to New Creation Fellowship, 30190 C.R. 10, Granger, IN 46530.

Online condolences may be left for the Powell family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com