Obituary of James Gardner Powell

James G. Powell

   Funeral services for James will be 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 15, 2019, at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Newton.  Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton, have been entrusted with the arrangements.  Visitation will be an hour prior to the services, 12:30 until 1:30 p.m. and following the committal services.  Burial will be in the Newton Union Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be designated to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church or Jasper County Animal Rescue League.  

   James Gardner Powell, 80, the son of William and Allis (Conger) Powell, was born September 20, 1938, in Lincoln, Nebraska.  He was a graduate of the Ottumwa, Iowa Senior High, Class of 1956.  He later graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Journalism, Class of 1960.  He had served his country with the US Army. 

   On January 14, 1990, James was united in marriage with Linda Kay Wright Rozenberg in Newton.  In 1961, James began his career in Maytag’s public relations department that would last some 42 years.  At the time of his retirement in September 2003, he was Director of Corporate Communications for Maytag.  He had devoted his life to his family, and was past members of the Izaak Walton League, chairman of the Jasper County Republican Central Committee, president of the Newton Industrial Development Corporation, board member of the Newton Chamber of Commerce, president of the Jasper County Kennel Club, Maytag Management Club and participated in the Newton United Way campaigns for many years.  In 1980, he served on the Center for Performance fund drive committee for the addition to Newton Community High School, member of the Newton Elks and of St. Luke’s United Methodist church.  He enjoyed cooking and photography.

   James of Newton, died Thursday morning, May 9, 2019, at Park Centre Health Care. He was preceded in death by his parents. 

   Those left to honor James’ memory include his wife Linda Kay; his daughters: Lori Ann (Jeff) Eisbrener and Debora J. Rozenberg; his grandchildren: Dillon Constant, Ryan Constant, Matt (Jenni) Eisbrener, Mike (Pam) Eisbrener and Katie (Rob) Evans and great-granddaughter Nora Evans; a brother Richard Powell and sister-in-law Gwen; nephews: Doug and David Powell; and his many good friends.