James Martin Powell, Jr.

James Martin Powell, Jr.

September 24, 2023, 64, Goldsboro —

James Martin Powell, Jr., age 64, passed away Sunday at Wayne UNC Healthcare, with his beloved wife, children, and brothers by his side.  Born in Wayne County, Martin was the son of the late James “Jimmy” Martin Powell and Shelby Jean Wolfe Powell.  He was retired from Charter Communications and was a member of the Saint Mary of the Angels Catholic Church in Mount Olive, NC.  Martin received an associate degree from James Sprunt Community College and a BS degree from Mount Olive University.

A funeral mass will be held Friday at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church in Mount Olive.  Committal services will be held on Friday, following the service in the church. A rosary service will be held on Thursday evening at 6:00 pm in the chapel of Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home with visitation immediately following, until 8:00 pm.

Martin began working in the Cable TV industry in 1980 and he worked with Cable TV for 43 years before retiring in July of 2023. The companies he worked for over the years included Alert Cable TV, Beasley Broadcast, CVI, Time Warner Cable, and Charter Communications where he retired from the role of Director of Field Operations.

Martin had a passion for the North Carolina coast from an early age.  Growing up, he spent much time with his family and friends at Topsail Beach, where he enjoyed water skiing and fishing.  As he got older, his love for the water continued.  He was an avid fisherman, where he spent much of his time camping and surf fishing at Core Banks and other North Carolina shores.  Once he married, Martin spent much time on the beach with his wife Mary Anne, and children, Trey and Maggie.  Their annual camping and fishing trips to Core Banks are now some of their most treasured family memories.  Martin also enjoyed working on their small farm, where he gardened, plowed the fields, and raised goats and chickens.  He was an excellent carpenter and was a perfectionist in everything he did.

He was involved in various organizations over the years.  However, his greatest joy in life was to be with his family. He was everything a husband and father should be.  Martin was a man of impeccable character in every aspect of his life.  He constantly challenged himself to be a good example to his children. Martin was a great husband, father, and friend to many.

Martin attended St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church in Mount Olive; however, it was not until recently that he actually joined the Catholic church.  It was one of the most humbling moments of his life, and it was his conversion that allowed him to be at peace through the most difficult trials of his life.

Martin is survived by his wife Mary Anne Saieed Powell; a son, James Martin “Trey” Powell III; a daughter, Maggie Anne Powell; two brothers, Nelson Powell and Johnny Max Powell and wife Kimberly; along with numerous nieces and nephews who he loved dearly.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church.

Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home is serving the Powell family and online condolences may be sent to www.shumate-faulk.com

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