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By Laura Drinan
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Earlier this year, Needham mourned the loss of James Hugh Powers, the longest serving Town Meeting member in Needham’s history.
Powers was more than a prominent figure in town politics, though. He was a United States Marines veteran, a Harvard graduate, and a beloved member of the community.
On September 24, friends and family of James Hugh Powers gathered at Powers Hall, which bears his name, to celebrate his life.
The community was invited to celebrate the life of James Hugh Powers, who served as a Needham Town Meeting member for 61 years.
At the ceremony, beautifully designed display boards told the story of Powers’ military service and involvement in town politics. Those close to Powers told their favorite stories about him while enjoying refreshments before sitting down to formally honor Powers with the Marine Corps Presentation of Colors by the Leatherneck Honors Society of Massachusetts.
“If James Hugh Powers was devoted to anything, it was the preservation of the town’s life and form of government,” said Moe Handel, Powers’ friend and a member of the Needham Board of Selectmen, as he introduced Town Moderator, Michael Fee, to speak about their dear friend, who served Needham for 61 years.
“Mr. Powers was a Citizen, and I use that with a capital ‘C.’ He was a true Citizen. He defined citizenship. He loved democracy, he loved working for his community, and he loved Town Meeting,” said Fee as he remembered Powers.
Tom Harkins, Vice President of the Melick Foundation, spoke about some of the reasons why it is important for the foundation to remember Powers, who had worked alongside former Moderator, Dick Melick, for over 30 years and helped establish the foundation. Harkins also spoke about his gratitude for Powers’ donation to the Needham Library. Powers had donated his mother’s custom-made dollhouse to the library, which is still on display in the building.
Town Moderator, Michael Fee, speaks about James Hugh Powers as they celebrate his life and his commitment to the town of Needham.
Kaitlyn Kangaloo recalled her great-uncle’s storytelling, and how he would talk for hours about anything and everything. “My favorite part was how his face would light up. He was just so happy. Not because the attention was on him, but because he could share his knowledge and experiences with others, and I think that really encompasses who he was. He was a very selfless, caring, courageous, strong man. He was intelligent and truly amazing,” said Kangaloo. “I think I speak for everyone when I say he was deeply, deeply missed.”
While the loss of James Hugh Powers will always be felt by the town, his name and story will be eternally preserved in Needham’s Town Hall, where the beautiful auditorium is named in his honor.
His legacy will live on in the community’s hearts and memories.
