James Dennis Powell

 James Dennis Powell, 76, passed away on May 13, 2021 in Las Vegas, NV.

James was born in Charleston, SC on June 30, 1944 to Howard and Loretta Powell, (nee Nelson). He was raised in Pierre, SD, where he met and married Betsy Jensen. James graduated from High School in Pierre, SD, after which he joined the US Army. He was stationed at Merrell Barracks, Nuremberg, Germany. Betsy joined him there and they toured much of Western Europe, about which they both loved to reminisce. James was honorably discharged in 1968 and returned to Aberdeen, SD, where he graduated from Northern State University in 1972 with a degree in Economics. 

In 1979 James took a job as a civilian auditor at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, NV. He won Auditor of the Year three times for his meticulous auditing practices. In 1982 James became a CPA and worked in the private sector as Comptroller for CER Corporation and Multi-Pure Corporation, while also having many individual tax clients. His phenomenal abilities and work ethic earned him the loyalty of his employers and tax clients for many years. During these years, James also published a book on personal finance and patented a portable water filtration device.

James was just as active in his personal and spiritual life. He was raised in the Lutheran Church, and also attended the Episcopal Church in Las Vegas, serving as church warden.  Over the years he enjoyed camping, square-dancing, scuba diving, off-road motorcycles, and many family vacations. He especially delighted in sharing these activities with his daughters.  James was a very devoted father and husband, who made the happiness and well-being of his family his first priority.

James is preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Betsy Powell (nee Jensen). He is survived by his daughters Jacalyn Orr (Glenn) and Ashley Richmond; his sisters Karol, Joan and Julie, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 18th 2021 at Riverside Cemetery, 400 S. Roosevelt St., Pierre SD.