Note: Obituary was updated at 2:13 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, to reflect changes to visitation locations.
James “Jim” B. Powell, 63, of Ontario passed away Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012, at Vernon Memorial Healthcare Center in Viroqua.
Jim was born in Sparta on May 2, 1949, to Roland and Harriet (Stedman) Powell. Jim grew up and attended school in Ontario and graduated in 1967. After graduation, he haule
d milk for Edwin Bredlow, and then worked in masonry for Boldon Brothers construction. When his father became ill, Jim took over the family farm. He loved working the farm while teaching his boys all the knowledge he had of farming. On Oct. 6, 1984, he was united in holy matrimony to Nancy Ferries. Together they took over Ferries Oil when Nancy’s father passed away. Along with the oil deliveries, he handed out Tootsie Rolls and bubblegum for 18 years to many families in Monroe and Vernon counties. After his retirement from the oil business, Jim was a bus driver for the Norwalk-Ontario-Wilton School District. This was a job that he really liked, but most importantly, the children loved him.
Jim always found time for his boys. Their favorite times together were spent hunting or fishing and cutting wood. Jim had just returned from a great fishing trip with his sons and grandson in Homer, Alaska. These special memories will never be forgotten. Jim was a genuinely good guy with a wonderful sense of humor, warm smile, and true love for people. He was never too busy to stop and talk or offer a helping hand. He will be missed by many.
Jim is survived by his wife, Nancy of Ontario; two sons, Jason (Shasta) and their children, Jonathon, Hannah and Gabrielle of Holmen, Wis., and Matt (fiancee Nicolle) and their children, Caitlin and Breanna Powell and Austin, Bailey and Seth Granger of Mauston, Wis.; his siblings, Anita Gibson of Ontario and David (Lisa) Powell of Wilton; his mother-in-law, Fern Ferries of Ontario; his sisters-in-law, Juanita Vitcenda of Janesville, Bette Ferries of Ontario, Lori Laufenburger of Winona, Minn., and Cindy Ferries of Ontario; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his son, Travis Powell; his parents; a sister, Donna Powell; a niece, Teri Powell; his father-in-law, Douglas Ferries; and his brother-in-law, Bill Gibson.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12, at Grace Community Church in Ontario. Pastor Bruce Milleman will officiate. Burial will follow in Hilltop Rest Cemetery, Ontario. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 4–7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Ontario. Visitation also will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday at the church. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Ontario is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
