James Leroy Powers

A man who meant so much to so many, James "Jim" Leroy Powers, passed away peacefully on August 13th at the age of 89. Our beloved "Pops" received an outpouring of love on his final day, surrounded by beautiful messages, phone calls, and visits from those whose lives he touched. While we are deeply saddened by his passing, we find peace knowing he has gone home to be with the Lord and is reunited with his loving wife of 62 years, Marie, who passed away in 2020.

Jim was born in Claresholm, Alberta, Canada, on September 30, 1936, to Robert and Ivy Powers. After losing his father early in life, Jim left school in the 8th grade to support his mother, demonstrating a determination that would define his life. He pushed himself through junior hockey before turning professional, and in 1957, while playing for the Melfort Indians of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, he met the love of his life, Marie Adaiah Lee. They married on May 24, 1958, beginning a beautiful partnership anchored by faith and mutual devotion.

They started their family in Vancouver in 1959, balancing Jim's hockey career and raising children. Jim found success both on the ice and in the motorcycle business, experiencing many highs and a few lows along the way. He made countless friends, and after retiring from hockey in 1970, he was inducted into the Seattle Hockey Hall of Fame. Just this past October, he was also inducted into the Washington Motorcycle Hall of Fame, a testament to his many accomplishments.

Jim was truly the glue of the family—generous, full of life, and accepting of anyone and everyone. His love for life was infectious, and he welcomed all with open arms. He would never ask anyone to do something he wouldn't do himself, leading by example and inspiring those around him. 

Pops had a way of making everyone feel like his favorite. He was generous, kind, caring, and supportive, always creating opportunities and celebrating the successes of others. He loved sports, especially youth sports, and took great pride in cheering on his grandchildren as they achieved their goals. The impact he had on those around him is immeasurable, and to list all the people who shared a close relationship with him would be impossible.

Jim is survived by his children, Penny Cannon (Mike), Jim Powers (Diana), Janice Weber (Phil), and Garret Powers (Diane); his grandchildren, Cade, Cutter, Micahlyn, Makenzie, Aiden, Amanda, Allison, Samantha, and Garret II; and his great-grandchildren, Christabelle, Maeva, and Euriah. He is also survived by countless treasured friends who became family, all of whom will miss him dearly.

Everyone who had the honor of knowing Pops will always hold a place for him in their hearts, just as he always held a place for all of us. 

We will be celebrating his life at the family business, Lynnwood Motoplex, on Saturday, September 26, 2026. All are welcome to join us, share stories, and honor the memory of such a truly wonderful man.