James Leon Powell

James L. (“Jimmie”) Powell, age 96, devoted Christian, beloved husband, father and grandfather, and rancher, passed away peacefully at his home in San Angelo on September 10, 2026. He will be sorely missed by his family and many others.

Jimmie was married to Nancy Bryan Hunt Powell of Sonora in 1960, they lived a wonderful and very happy and active life for 53 years. They were truly meant for each other and are now united again.

Jimmie was born on February 22, 1930 to Virgil and Johnnie Dell Powell. He attended schools in Sonora and then San Angelo, and attended college at Rice Institute. Upon graduation from Rice Institute he attended The University of Texas at Austin graduate school where he received his Naval Commission as an officer. He served on the USS Oriskany during the Korean War, then returned home to continue in the footsteps of his father and grandfather to pursue his lifelong passion and career in the ranching business. Jimmie was committed to ranching and livestock agriculture and was fond of saying there is nothing prettier than a Hereford calf. Jimmie instilled these values in his children and grandchildren, and his Hereford bull and Rambouillet ram sales continue to this day.

Jimmie was a lifelong student and was forever inquisitive and trying new things. He was a tireless and ever-optimistic entrepreneur. He was never hesitant to try a new venture and encourage others, especially young people, to engage. He was very unique in his optimistic outlook and was not concerned about taking a different stand than most others. He would consistently pursue perfection over profit.

Jimmie was also deeply committed to his community. He was natural leader and led by example. He served in leadership roles in many organizations, primarily in ranching and livestock, higher education and banking. His passions were many and his commitment was deep, and he received a number of prestigious awards for his work and contributions to livestock and civic organizations.

Jimmie is survived by his two daughters, Lorrie Powell Uhl and Victoria Powell Johnson, their husbands Arthur Uhl and Ken Johnson, his grandchildren James Uhl and his wife Hannah, Elisabeth Kleberg and her husband Elkin Kleberg, Scott Uhl, Leon Johnson, Eli Johnson, and Carmen Johnson McClelland, and his great grandchildren Hunt Uhl, Bennett Uhl, Lorrie Kleberg, Faye Kleberg, Kenley McClelland and Parker McClelland. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Bryan Hunt Powell his parents, Virgil and Johnnie Dell Powell, and his sister Madolyn Powell Mertz.

The family is forever grateful for his friendship with Pam Hamilton, the Eldorado “Bridge” club and the wonderful friends that facilitated the many golfing adventures.

The family also wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the special people who helped take care of Jimmie in his later years, especially Catalina Huerta, his wonderful caregivers Ida Luna, Mandy Sosa, Amanda Enriquez, Molly Robles, Monica Gutierrez, Becky Barnhard and Norma Ramirez as well as the amazing staff at Hospice of San Angelo.

Celebration of Life will officiated by Joe McGee and held at 10am Wednesday, September 16 at Grace Christian Church, 29 North Oakes, San Angelo, TX. 76903.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

The Eldorado Presbyterian Church, 2 N. Cottonwood Street, Eldorado, Texas 76936,

West Texas Rehab, 3001 S. Jackson, San Angelo, TX 76904

https://westtexasrehab.org/

Hospice of San Angelo, 1933 University Ave, San Angelo, TX. 76904

The West Texas Boys Ranch, 10223 Boys Ranch Road, San Angelo, TX 76904

https://www.wtbr.org

TSCRA Leadership Development Foundation, PO Box 101988, Ft. Worth, TX. 76185

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=H2AHJTQM6DJGW