Jim Leroy "Jumbo" Powers, a towering figure in both hockey and the powersports industry, died on August 13, 2024, at the age of 89. His passing was confirmed by family members, who said he was surrounded by his wife Marie and their children. Tributes have poured in from former teammates, community leaders, and fans who remember him not only for his on‑ice brilliance but also for the generosity that defined his post‑playing years.
Born on September 30, 1936, in Claresholm, Alberta, Canada, Powers grew up dreaming of the rink. He later moved to the Pacific Northwest, where he would become a household name in Seattle hockey circles. Over a 737‑game career in the Western Hockey League, he recorded 248 goals and 223 assists, amassing 471 points that placed him among the league’s most consistent scorers.
Powers’ professional journey included stints with the Seattle Totems, Vancouver Canucks, Los Angeles Blades, and a brief period with the Providence Reds of the American Hockey League. He was a key contributor to the Totems’ championship teams in 1958‑59 and 1966‑67, and his 1962‑63 season saw him notch 36 goals and 72 points on a line that also featured Hall of Famers Guyle Fielder and Bob Barlow, a trio that became legendary in WHL history.
From Ice Rinks to Dealership Floors
After hanging up his skates, Powers turned his competitive drive toward business. In 1970 he founded Lynnwood Motoplex, starting with a modest Yamaha dealership. The shop expanded over the decades to a 32,000‑square‑foot campus that now houses Kawasaki, KTM, and Polaris brands, making it one of the region’s largest powersports retailers. The growth from a 3,500‑square‑foot storefront to a regional powerhouse reflects Powers’ knack for spotting opportunity and nurturing long‑term relationships.
Beyond commerce, Powers was celebrated for his mentorship of young athletes and his support of local sports programs. His contributions earned him induction into both the Seattle Hockey Hall of Fame and the Washington State Motorcycle Hall of Fame, honors that recognized not only his athletic achievements but also his lifelong commitment to community service.
He is survived by his wife Marie, sons Garret and Jim Jr., daughters Penny Cannon and Janice Weber, nine grandchildren, and three great‑grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are pending, and a memorial service will be held at the Lynnwood Motoplex later this month, where friends and former teammates will share memories of a man who shaped two distinct worlds.