James Dwight Powell Sr., 78, died surrounded by his wife and family on August 17, 2026, in Litchfield.
In accordance with Mr. Powell’s wishes, no formal services will be held.
Mr. Powell was born on September 23, 1947, in Zalma, MO, to Clifton James and Mary (Vashti) Powell. He graduated from Southwestern High School in Brighton, attended college and served his country with the United States Army in Vietnam.
On July 30, 1979, he married the former Susan Lynn; they were married 47 years. The couple loved traveling together and traveling with their friends. They made Litchfield their permanent home in 2002.
Mr. Powell was passionate about baseball, softball and wrestling. He coached many teams: Marilyn Heights Jr. and Sr. Legions, Owen McGuire Legion, Mules Select Baseball and assisted Litchfield High School softball. He was an amazing hitting instructor and baseball/softball coach. Many of his teams won multiple tournaments, and he saw players into both Major League Baseball and D1 Softball.
He owned Gateway Tire and Wheel and Litchfield Sports, Inc. Earlier in his career, he was employed as a sales manager by Mid-USA, an aftermarket Harley Davidson parts wholesaler, and was an associate scout for the New York Yankees.
In addition to his wife, Susan, he is survived by his son, James (Melissa) Powell Jr. of Litchfield; his stepsons, David (Tonia Nelson) Scott and Craig (Lisa) Scott, both of Edwardsville; his stepdaughter, Holly (Chris) Oberhansly of Springfield, MO; his siblings, Joe Powell of Granite City, Bob (Kathy) Powell of Ironton, MO, and Rachel Pace of Piedmont, AL; 12 grandchildren, Jordan (Darrell) Godier, Bailey Powell, Carter Powell, Alexander Powell, Heather Turner, Paige (Dan) Myers, John Scott, David Scott, Moira Scott, Gabrielle (Jacob) Montalbano, Samuel Scott and Brennan Oberhansly; and six great-grandchildren, Kinsley, Darrell, Colton, Korin, Auggie, and Declan.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Ruth Dewitt; and his grandson, Matthew Scott.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Litchfield Wrestling Foundation, c/o Chance Davidson, 1705 N. State St., Litchfield, IL, 62056.
Plummer Funeral Home is assisting the family. Please visit www.plummerfuneralservices.com to leave condolences for his family.
