James Matthew Powers, 21

James was born in Woodland, Calif., on March 12, 1989, to Sherri Quinn-Powers and went home to be with our Lord over the Easter weekend of 2010. James lived in Spokane and then moved with his step-father, Steve Schibig; sister, Caitlin; and brothers, Aaron and Tyler, to Yakima, Wash. In 1996, James and his siblings welcomed a new step-father, James Tripp, into the family. As a result of the union of this marriage, James siblings, Emily, John, and Sara Tripp were born. The family moved to Minnesota in 1999, where James attended middle school. In 2005, the family decided to move closer to family and settled in Whitefish. James attended high school there from 2005 to 2008. James began working at Wendy s in Whitefish, where he was always known for his huge smile, kindness, and his respect and courtesy for others. He worked for a while at the Red Caboose, and for the last year and a half at McDonald s in Whitefish. Those who knew James remember his love for his Audi car, his clothes and his music. James made friends easily and showed his strength, optimism and promise, while continuing to develop into a fine young man. James proudest accomplishment was earning his high school diploma in June of 2009. We remember fondly the young man who dedicated his young life to working with and serving others. James absence has left cloudy and dark skies for many, as he has been the sunshine for all of us. He is survived by his parents, James and Sherri Tripp; step-father, Steve Schibig; six siblings, Caitlin, Aaron, Tyler, Emily, John and Sara; maternal grandparents, Sharon Powers and Carl R. Lindmark and Timothy P. Quinn; paternal grandparents, Linda Dennis, Carl Schibig and Joanne Schibig; maternal aunt, Maryam Powers; maternal uncle, John Powers; paternal aunts, Carry Dennis and Cassy Tripp; paternal uncles, Terry and Heather Dennis; and from step-father Steve Schibig s family, uncle, Ed Schibig; and Aunt, Penny Zimmerman. Other survivors include numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Family members predeceasing James include uncle, James Powers; paternal grandfather, Gordon Tripp; maternal great-grandparents, Alice M. Powers and Dewey B. Brookshire; paternal great-grandparents, William and Zita Quinn; and several uncles and cousins from his extended family. Additionally, his family at McDonald s, the Red Caboose and Wendy s mourn his loss deeply. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, April 12, 2010, at the Austin Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation and viewing will begin at 9 a.m. Monday until services begin. A celebration of life will follow at the Golden Agers Senior Center in Whitefish. The family wishes to thank all who have been instrumental in assisting the family including the Hume/Dyck Family, Whitefish Foursquare Church, Whitefish Independent School, Zach Dugdale, Deb House, McDonald s of Whitefish, and many others. Thank you to everyone for your prayers and condolences.