John Warren Powers

May 31, 1944 – September 10, 2026

John Warren Powers (“JP, Johnny, Coach”) passed peacefully at age 82 on September 10, 2026, at Henry Ford Jackson Hospital. He spent his final days surrounded by family and loved ones. John is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Powers; his son, Sean Powers of Harrisonburg, Virginia; his daughters, Amanda Powers of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Christi Harrington of Jackson, Michigan; his granddaughters, Amanda Powers and Chloe Harrington; his sister, Annabel Powers; his brother, Chris Powers; his nieces, Suzannah Powers and Julie Simser; many Mandarano and Powers cousins; numerous cherished friends; and his beloved cats, Bernie and Toulouse.

John was born and raised on the east end of Cortland, New York, to Carmella Ann Mandarano Powers and Dorr William Powers. He graduated from Cortland High School with the Class of 1962. After serving three years in the United States Army, John earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Central Michigan University and a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Siena Heights University.

John taught early and modern history, geography, and government for many years at Western High School. An exceptional athlete in his youth, he also enjoyed coaching high school football and baseball. Later in his career, John moved from the classroom into school counseling, overseeing the elementary and middle schools. After retiring from Western, he taught psychology at Baker College. He loved teaching and longed to return to the classroom. In recognition of his compassion and dedication to education, Baker College established the John Powers “Open Your Heart” Award, honoring teachers who promote learning through compassion.

John was deeply loved by his family and many lifelong friends. For more than 50 years, he played poker every Sunday evening with the same cherished group of friends. He was a beloved father, grandfather, husband, teacher, mentor, coach, and friend who brought warmth and compassion to all his relationships.

John carried his Italian heritage with pride, poise, and loyalty. He was immensely proud of his children, with whom he spoke by telephone nearly every day. Highly intelligent and blessed with an impeccable memory, John possessed an enduring desire to learn and share knowledge. He was an avid reader, a devoted student of World War II history, a writer, a painter, and a lifelong learner of archaeology. He was an inquisitive conversationalist, a loyal admirer of Bob Dylan’s lyrics, a humble Christian, and an unwavering Detroit Tigers fan.

Please join John’s family and friends in celebrating his life on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Church, 120 East Wesley Street, Jackson, Michigan. Father John Vinton will officiate.

John’s warmth, wisdom, humor, compassion, and love will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.