James Francis Power passed peacefully into Heaven on Monday, June 30 surrounded by his loving family. A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 PM Wednesday, July 2 at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home in Chenoa, IL and 10 to11AM on Thursday prior to the service at the Church. His funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 3 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church with Father Carl LoPresti officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Chenoa. Duffy-Pils Funeral Home in Chenoa is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are encouraged to be made to St. Joseph's Church or the Chenoa 4th of July Committee.

Jim was born October 8, 1928 in Chenoa, IL to Charles and Ella (Camp) Power and was raised in Chenoa. On May 14, 1949, Jim married the love of his life Catherine Mary (Payne) Power and continued a beautiful love affair that would last 65+ years. Jim and Katie created a loving family of eight children and established their home on Warren Street in Chenoa. Situated across from the grade school and city park, it was truly the 'Grand Central Station' of Chenoa. A most remarkable loving and fun-filled family compound for all the friends, family and children who had the pleasure of entering their beautiful Queen Anne style home.

In addition to his precious wife Katie, Jim is survived by his children: Patricia (Marshall) Johnson, Pontiac, IL, Chuck (Lori) Power, Fairbury, Mary (Leo) Nachreiner, Sauk City, WI, John (Marty) Power, Bloomington, Jim (Lori) Power, Madison, WI, Mike Power, Chenoa; one brother, Tom (Pat) Power of Buckeye, AZ; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Plumb; 16 Grandchildren: Derrick Bowen, Christina (Ryan) Clark, Tricia (Jeff) Minor, Nichole (Seth) Teigen, Whitney (Josh) Loggeman, Katie Dunn, Kayla Roy, Kelsey (Justin) Breen, Terri Power, Dan (Jessica) Power, Andy Power, Jacob Power, Grant Power, Jenna (Justin) Schroen, Chelsea Tollensdorf, Thomas Plumb and 9 Great grandchildren; and his nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by a daughter, Therese Power Bowen; son, Douglas Power; grandchild Kelly Nachreiner; and a sister, Mary Jane Bauschelt

After graduation from Chenoa High School in 1946, Jim attended the University of Illinois and Illinois Wesleyan University. Following early careers with C.W. Hicks, State Farm, and National Life of Vermont, Jim began a 40+ year insurance and real estate career taking over Power Agency, a family business established in 1912 by his uncle Frank. Jim's definition of success was never measured by income or recognition, but rather taking care of his customers, friends and family. Jim was a very special man. He instilled all the best in his family and all those who knew him. He bestowed so many of his wonderful attributes upon his family; including integrity, respect, compassion, charity, individualism, love, devotion, a delightful sense of humor and a zest for life that was unequaled. His devotion to Katie, his family and his Faith will forever serve as an inspiration to countless generations of Power family and friends. Jim also loved his community. His contributions to Chenoa were innumerable, yet most anonymous. Jim and a small group of businessmen established Chenoa's annual 4th of July Celebration, he also conceived the idea and pursued the inception of Chenoa's Silliman Lake and Park, he sponsored countess community events over a 50 year span, including Chenoa's Power Agency Fast Pitch softball team. Jim always had a smile and conveyed a positive attitude; he was a man of impeccable integrity and compassion, with a sincere willingness to help anyone with a need. He was a man from which all of us could learn and live our lives by.