James "Jabo" Powers

James Alvin Powers, affectionally known as Jabo, age 93, passed away Monday, August 5, 2024, at the McLeod Hospice House in Florence, South Carolina. The youngest son of the late Alvin Lee Powers and the late Jeanette Wright Powers, James was born on April 6, 1931, in Clio, South Carolina.  It was there, in this rural community of Marlboro County, that James spent his formative years, attended school and worshipped at the First Baptist Church of Clio. During his teen years, while employed after school at the local drug store, the pharmacist, weary of calling out to James Alvin, nicknamed him Jabo.   This shortened moniker quickly caught on with the store's young "soda fountain" crowd and went on to be permanently attached to James for the duration of his life.

While James was still attending high school, he accepted employment at the Bennettsville National Guard Armory where, upon graduation in 1949, he chose to continue down his career path within the Army National Guard. After a short while, a friend offered to "set" James up on a date with a local Bennettsville girl. She was described to James as "pretty as Scarlett O'Hara with the same flashing blue eyes and fiery spirit."  Intrigued, James took the challenge, never looked back and Jabo and Bunny went on to be married on January 31, 1954. They began their union living in Clio, then Bennettsville, and briefly in Columbia, before James' army career brought them to Darlington, SC in 1959 where they continued to reside for the rest of their lives.  James continued to work his way through the ranks of the National Guard, along with volunteering with the local fire department. In 1968, James was transferred to the Florence National Guard Armory where he served as the Commander of the 51st Military Battalion for many years and where he eventually retired as a Lt. Colonel in the early 1980's.

Jabo had a deep love and bond with his fellow military brothers and during his later years remained close to many veterans through his membership in the American Legion, Post 13, along with, an "honorary" membership in the local NCO club.  He was also a member of the First Baptist Church, and as a lover of song and music, found great joy in singing praise with the choir for many years.  Blessed with wonderful health, Jabo, pegged the family's "social butterfly," remained active up into his 90s and enjoyed doing what he loved most in the world, spending time with people!

In addition to his parents, James was predeceased by his beloved wife of 68 years, Jewel Stanton Powers (Bunny), two sons-in-law, John F. Truluck and Daniel B. Causey III, and three older brothers, Leon Powers, Delton Powers and Ray Powers the last of whom was lost on Guam in WW II at the tender age of 22.

James is survived by his four daughters Debbie P. Truluck, Nancy P. Causey, Tara S. Powers and Brantlee P.  (Bill) Haire, along with three wonderful grandsons, C. Cody (Rose) Truluck, Daniel B. (Juliana) Causey IV and Caleb C. Haire.

The family wishes to thank the "earthly angels" at both McLeod Hospital and Mcleod Hospice House in Florence, SC for the compassionate care given to James during his recent illness, as well as the caring staff at Belk Funeral Home and The Grand Old Post Office who have all provided comfort and help during these difficult days.  Finally, a special thanks to Steve Crosby, Sam Howell and David Weaver for their friendships and kindnesses shown to Jabo during his final years.

The family will receive friends for fellowship and refreshments on Sunday, August 11, 2024, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at The Grand Old Post Office, 201 Pearl Street, Darlington, SC, and at other times at the home of Mrs. Nancy P. Causey, 109 Park Street, Darlington, SC.  A private celebration of life will be held at a later time.

Finally, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tunnel 2 Towers, t2t.org, or Mcleod Hospice Butterfly Fund, mcleodfoundation.org

A guestbook is available online at www.belkfuneralhome.com

"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die."

~ Thomas Campbell