James Lake Powers' Obituary
James “Jim” Lake Powers, aged 80, passed away on October 6, 2024, in Houston, TX. Born on November
11, 1943, James was a respected member of his community, known for his dedication to his family, his
country, and his passions.
Jim graduated from Woodrow Wilson High in Dallas in 1961. He immediately matriculated to the
University of Texas at Austin where he graduated in 1965 leaving to go to Law School at the University of
Texas at Austin where he graduated with a J.D.in 1968. Following law school, Jim joined U.S. Army as
Judge Advocate General serving in Vietnam for 4 years before completing his service at the rank of
Captain. Following his service, Jim accepted a position with the U.S. Department of Justice Tax Division
in Washington, D.C. where he would meet his future wife, Pam. He prosecuted numerous cases there,
making a name for himself as a resourceful, energetic, and intellectually powerful thinker. These are
traits that would mark and define his career.
In 1976, Pam and Jim, moved to Houston, TX after he accepted a position with the Southern District of
Texas as an Assistant U.S. Attorney.Jim’s reputation and success continued. In 1981, a new U. S. Attorney was appointed by PresidentRonald Reagan. This new U.S. Attorney was Daniel Hedges, a brilliant civil practitioner but with no criminal law experience. It is to his credit that Hedges wisely decided to rely upon Jim’s knowledge to lead his efforts at criminal prosecution, becoming Hedges’s point man in that regard. Because of his continued success, Jim became Hedge’s designated First Assistant U. S. Attorney. The position was the first one of its kind in the Southern District.
In 1987, Jim and his family moved to Clearwater, Florida, where he accepted a position with the Tampa
Bay Area U.S. Attorney’s office. In 1992, the Southern District office lured Jim back to Houston.
Per his colleagues and friends, “Jim’s fidelity to his work and his dedication to teaching other less
experienced attorneys, makes him one of the most significant persons who ever served in his capacity as
an Assistant U.S. Attorney.”
After his retirement from the U.S. Justice Department, he substitute taught at Westchester Academy of
International Studies garnering quite a following from students, teachers, and administrators.
He had a zest for life, enjoying hobbies such as traveling, college football, grilling and cooking, classic
cars, reading history, and spending time with his friends and family. Jim was also an enthusiast of music,
learning to play the bass guitar at the age of fifty-two after being encouraged to do so by childhood
friend, Steve Miller of the Steve Miller Band. For many years, Jim enjoyed his weekly “jam sessions” with
his band playing classic hits from the 1960s to the 1980s.
An avid traveler, Jim and Pam had many adventures throughout their lives, from Europe, to New
Zealand to the Caribbean and all over the United States. In the early 2000’s, Jim learned French and
became a member of the French Alliance in Houston, Texas. He and Pam frequented France and
attended the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day Invasion.
James is survived by his loving wife, Pamela Powers; daughter, Lisa Miller; son-in-law, Todd Miller; and
grandchildren, Mary and Pate Miller. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Helen Powers,
and his brother, William Powers.
James will be remembered for his respected and successful career, his generosity, his values, his
dedication to his family and country, and his ability to light up a room with his storytelling and witty
sense of humor.
A service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at
Rasberry Family Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Thomas Presbyterian Church https://www.eservicepayments.com/cgi-bin/Vanco_ver3.vps?appver3=wWsk24ZWJSTZKsGd1RMKlg0BDvsSG3VIWQCPJNNxD8upkiY7JlDavDsozUE7KG0nFx2NSo8LdUKGuGuF396vbRTO-SzzxBT5JthUWMPOhIiXHubq5Z7ap5JVmPErc4ZeYHCKCZhESjGNQmZ5B-6dx0YMCcdkFmvdEXtTpYsZ6Kw=&ver=3%E3%80%90Smart
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