James H. Powell, 85 of Monticello, passed away on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at the Farmer City Rehab Center.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 - 11:00AM Friday, June 19, 2009 at the Mackey-Wright Funeral Home.  Funeral services will follow at 1:00PM, Friday, June 19, 2009 at the Danville National Cemetery with Military Rites in Danville, IL.

James was born on September 23, 1923 in Belpre, OH, the son of George and Mary (Gaines) Powell.

Surviving are his daughters: Nancy (Thomas) Giddings of Hemet, CA, Esther (Guy) Giddings of Monticello, Susan (Ben) Ward of Cheyenne, WY, and Jeannie (Clyde) Horton of Monticello, son: Jimmie Powell of Danville; 20 grandchildren, many great grandchildren, and sister: Pearl Lane of Urbana.  He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 brother and 2 sisters.

James was a retired Staff Sergeant from the U.S. Air Force, serving in Vietnam, and worked in the maintenance department at the University of Illinois.  He was a member of the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans.

Memorials may be made to Kirby Hospital or the Farmer City Rehab and Health Care Center.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mackey-wrightfuneralhome.com.