Jimmie L Powell

Jimmie "Kelly" Lewis Powell, age 81, passed away peacefully at his home on January 2, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Jimmie is deeply loved and will be remembered by his wife of 33½ years, Jackie Powell, of Las Vegas; his daughter, Cathy Powell, and son, Brian Powell; his stepson, Ronald Rockey; his grandchildren, Brandon Stuart, Aaron A. Rockey, and Ashley Rockey; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Myrven and Ages Powell; his daughter, Michelle Powell; his stepson, Aaron D. Rockey; and his great-granddaughter, Charlotte.

Born on July 18, 1944, in Baltimore, Maryland, Jimmie was raised in Hapeville, Georgia. He graduated from high school in 1962 and immediately joined the United States Navy. Following his military service, he attended the University of Florida, where he earned a degree in education with a minor in business.

Jimmie began his professional career with JCPenney, working as a buyer and manager in Clearwater, Florida. He later settled in Brevard County, Florida, where he raised his family and worked for McDonnell Douglas, collaborating closely with the Kennedy Space Center.

Ultimately, Jimmie found his true calling in education and, in 1992, became a special education teacher with Brevard County Schools. He was named Teacher of the Year for 1998-1999 at Cocoa High School.

That same year, Jimmie married Jackie Powell, and together they made their home in Rockledge, Florida. In 2003, they moved to Las Vegas, where Jimmie joined the Clark County School District. He served as a special education teacher at Sierra Vista High School and later helped open Desert Oasis High School in 2008. There, he taught World History and proudly served as the senior class student council advisor for more than ten years.

Jimmie was an active member and lead usher at Southern Hills Baptist Church and a devoted member of the Men of Iron. He loved being outdoors hunting for rocks, planning trips to Florida or Hawaii with his wife Jackie, reading books, and puttering around in his "man cave"-his classroom. He was famous for saying, "Be your own best friend" and "Don't let anyone steal your joy." When especially happy, he would often exclaim, "Out of sight!"

Known for his positivity, warmth, and joyful spirit, Jimmie was deeply loved by his friends and church community. To his students and colleagues, he was a safe place and a loyal, trusted confidant.

Above all, he was a loving, caring, and devoted husband and father.

Services for Mr. Powell will be held at Southern Hills Baptist Church, 6425 W. Pebble Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89139, on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., followed by a candlelight vigil at Desert Oasis High School, 6600 W. Erie Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89141, at 5:00 p.m.