James Kenneth Powless, 66, passed away at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, April 18, 2015, in Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

He was born on April 9, 1949, in Carbondale, the son of Kenneth Barnett Powless and Emily Mary (Cygnar) Powless.

He was united in marriage to Susan Elizabeth Reed on Saturday, June 13, 1970, in Marion, and together they shared over 44 years of marriage.

Jim obtained a Bachelor of Science in finance in 1971 and a Juris Doctor in 1974, from the University of Illinois in Champaign. He practiced law in Marion and owned William County Title and Abstract.

He was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church of Marion.

Jim enjoyed fishing, reading, cooking, tinkering, teaching and listening to folk music. He was selfless, performing acts of service for people without hesitation. He enjoyed volunteering for the Marion Regional Humane Society and substitute teaching for Marion and Carterville school districts. He was a “Dad” to many of his daughters’ friends and invested many years coaching summer softball league. His patience, laugh, humor, and love will be celebrated and remembered.

He is survived by his wife, Susan E. Powless of Marion; two daughters and son-in-law, Sarah Filkins of Champaign, and Jamie and Will Miller of Herrin; three grandsons, Colin Filkins, Jack Miller and Finnegan Miller; sisters, Linda Powless of Marion, and Catherine Powless of Glen Ellen; brother and sister-in-law, David and Patty Powless of Marion; mother–in-law, Carol Pullis of Marion; several nephews and nieces; many friends; and the many students whom he enjoyed teaching in the Marion Unit 2 and Carterville Unit 5 school districts.

He was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law, George Pullis.

For those who prefer, memorials may be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church Youth Ministries or the animal rescue groups Crittergal Rescue or Angelina Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be mailed in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, IL 62959.

For additional information, to leave a condolence of memory or light a candle in memory, visit www.wilsonmcreynolds.com or call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.