April 26, 2017

John “JP” Powers JD ’74

John “JP” Powers JD ’74

On the morning of February 10, 2017, John “JP” Powers JD ’74 lost his valiant fight with acute myeloid leukemia. He passed away at home in Scottsdale, Arizona, with his beloved wife, Charlotte, by his side.

JP was born to Opal and Clifford Powers on April 28, 1950, in Los Angeles, California. He graduated from North Hollywood High School in 1967 and completed his undergraduate degree at Occidental College in 1971. JP then moved to the Pacific Northwest for law school. He was one of the youngest individuals ever admitted to the Oregon State Bar.

JP worked for two county district attorney offices in Oregon before he opened his own Portland law practice, which specialized in DUI defense and personal injury cases. He brought great compassion to his work and was driven to help others. Honored to represent his clients, JP also assisted them with finding serenity in their lives, including through introduction to AA.

Devoted to sports from an early age, JP had a lifelong love for the Los Angeles Dodgers. His greatest passion as he grew older was golf. He even considered becoming a professional player. At the time of his passing, he had amassed almost 50 putters in his quest for perfection.

JP will be forever missed for his quick wit, his disco dance moves, his sense of humor, his love for his family and friends, and the fullness with which he lived every day. He was devoted to Charlotte and to the children they each brought to their marriage—Sarah, Ben, Lindsey, and Mike. JP brought light into their lives, as well as those of their partners, his grandchildren, and his sister Linda and her family.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that remembrances in JP’s memory be sent to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (lls.org).