James McCoy Powell , 88, lovingly known as "McCoy," "Jim," or "PopPop," went home to be with the Lord on March 28, 2023.  He was born on December 29, 1934, to the late Emuel and Notice Powell in Brunswick County, Virginia. At an early age he was baptized and became a member of Poplar Mount Baptist Church in Lawrenceville, Virginia.  He was a graduate of St. Paul's High School in Lawrenceville, Virginia and later attended Virginia State College in Petersburg, Virginia. While attending Virginia State, James was drafted into the Army, and after his full duty assignment he served in the reserves for two years.

After military service, James worked at Bethlehem Steel in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. For a short time after that he went back home and worked on his family's farm. Later he relocated to Newport News, Virginia to look for work at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, now Huntington Ingalls Industries. After he worked at the shipyard for a while, he began working as an insurance agent and then as a mechanic. Not only did James find work after he relocated to Newport News, he also found the love of his life, Gertrude Reavis. From this union three children were born: Paula Eugenia (deceased), James Cecil, and Jason McCoy. Later he secured a civil service job at Fort Eustis as a Key Punch Operator, was afforded the opportunity to take classes, and was promoted to a Computer Technician. After many years he retired from Fort Monroe, Virginia.

To know him was to love him.  A true connector, James loved to talk, and everyone loved talking to him.  He was as generous as he was kind and had a true servant's heart. He truly loved his wife, Gertrude, his boys, Cecil and Jason, his daughter-in-law, Denedra, and his grandbaby, London. His most joyous moments were times he could spend with his family. Whether you were a long distant cousin or not a blood relative, you were his family and you felt his love.

Although James was a member of Poplar Mount Baptist Church, he worked at First Baptist Church East End as if he were a member. He joined First Baptist Church East End under the pastorship of Rev. Dr. William J. Marshall. He was chosen by Pastor Gregory Howard as an official trustee, although he was already doing the work of a trustee; working to better the church by cutting grass and maintenance inside the church. He served as the Co-Servant Leader for the Grounds Ministry. As his health began to fail the honor of Trustee Emeritus was bestowed upon him. Even as his health was failing, he showed up to help, even if it was just picking up paper on the grounds.

James truly lived life to the fullest. He and his wife Gertrude loved to travel. They were always on the go. "McCoy , " as he was fondly called by his family, loved calling his relatives and friends to check on them. He loved planting vegetables and flowers and working on cars. He was a gentle giant who would help anyone at any time. His presence was felt everywhere he went and while his absence leaves a great void, he will never be forgotten.

James was preceded in death by his parents Emuel and Notice Powell; daughter, Paula Eugenia Powell; brother, Otis Powell; sister, Ann Powell; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Eugene and Baylease Reavis; sisters-in-law, Susie Reavis, Genevie Powell and Jesse Powell; brother-in-law, John Bethea. He leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted wife of fifty-nine years, Gertrude Reavis Powell; sons, James Cecil Powell (Denedra) and Jason McCoy Powell; granddaughter, London Powell; sister, Deloise Claiborne; brothers, Wilbert Powell and Emuel Powell, Jr.; sisters-in-law, Elsie Reavis, Pauline Bethea, and LueEthel Croom-Powell; brother-in-law, Joe Earl Claiborne; "Like a Daughter," Karen Cherry (Timothy), Linda Hamlet, and Arneda Powell (Tyrone); "Like a Son," George "Kid" Holloway and Doug Winston (Catherine); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, April 3, 2023, at First Baptist Church East End.  The funeral service will be live streamed via the church's website at myfbcee.org.  Viewing will be held from 12-3 p.m., Sunday, April 2, 2023 at O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to The Roofing Project of First Baptist Church East End.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.