Born and raised in Red Bank to the late John Wesley and Elizabeth Powell, James was a longtime resident of Neptune where he lived with his beloved wife, Edith. Throughout his life, Butch was a hardworking man, a man's man, a family man. He always made sure there was food on the table and clothes on his family's backs, often working 2 jobs to do so. Because of this dedication to his family, he was able to teach his children the importance of hard work, love, and a giving and caring spirit that can will anyone through even the most difficult times.
Butch loved sports, especially football and baseball rooting for the NY Giants and NY Yankees. He had many interests including a passion for both building and racing cars (Wall Racetrack), his love of music, especially Motown, and he loved his yard and garden, which he considered his heaven.
Butch would quote Ephesians 5:25, which states: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." He ensured that his family would attend church every Sunday and be together at the dinner table every night. Family was everything to James, and he will always be remembered for this and his never-ending spirit of love and hard work. He will be missed by the countless number of family and friends who loved him dearly.
James was predeceased by his siblings Betty Powell, Robert Powell, John Powell and Rosalee Powell and children Roy Powell and Sharon Powell.
Surviving is his beloved wife Edith Laverne Powell of 51 years; his loving children Audrey Jackson, Jimmy Fairley, Ricky Hosendove, Shakida Faniel, Tameka Wright, and Carolyn Ann Powell. 17 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
James opened his home and heart to Crystal Wiggins, Nacole “CoCo” Wiggins, Eve Edmonds, Deborah Edmonds (deceased), Sandra Edmonds, Candy Edmonds and Zonian “Angel” Yancey, who became a cherished part of his family and whom he loved and cared for deeply.
Visitation will be held at Ocean Funeral Home, 2130 Highway 35, Ocean, NJ 07712, US, on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Burial will immediately follow at Monmouth Memorial Park, 4201 NJ-33, Tinton Falls.
All services are under the direction of Ocean Funeral Home, 2130 Hwy 35, Ocean, NJ.
