Former newspaper writer publishes his second book
Staff Reports

Powell

Jim S. Powell, a resident of Tyler and a native of Chandler, has just released his second book, "Them's Funny Looking Catfish and More Childhood Memories."

It, and his first book, "Feed Sack Fashions and Other Childhood Memories," contains funny and warm tales about growing up in Chandler in the 1940s.

Each of his books presents more than 50 lively and warm nostalgic growing up stories that come alive with his retelling of his childhood perspective on life in East Texas during a period when life was simple.

Jim S. Powell, a resident of Tyler and a native of Chandler, has just released his second book, "Them's Funny Looking Catfish and More Childhood Memories." It, and his first book, "Feed Sack Fashions and Other Childhood Memories," contains funny and warm tales about growing up in Chandler in the 1940s.

Each of his books presents more than 50 lively and warm nostalgic growing up stories that come alive with his retelling of his childhood perspective on life in East Texas during a period when life was simple.

In 2005, more than three dozen of Powell's anecdotes appeared as a weekly series in the Bullard Banner.

Since he had some childhood connections to Bullard, he was pleased to have his articles appearing in Bullard's newspaper.

As a child in the 1940s, he spent several weeks in the summer picking peaches at his uncle's peach orchard, located on the dusty, unpaved, and rutty road to Mixon.

He especially enjoyed the camaraderie of the tomato packing and shipping operation located near the railroad in downtown Bullard.

While attending Chandler High School, he enjoyed playing basketball in the Bullard High School Gymnasium when the Chandler Tigers played the Bullard Panthers.

His connection to Bullard continues even today since he owns a weekend log cabin at Lake Palestine not too far from Bullard

"Them's Funny Looking Catfish and More Childhood Memories includes such stories as "Them's Funny Looking Catfish," "The Baby Sitting Bed," "Aunt Ruby's Chevy," "Sister Phoebe," and "Painting Chickens."

He also takes the reader on an unusual adventure to the "Big D's" Farmers Market, introduces the reader to gill net fishing, and guarantees a "syrup-sopping" good time.

Powell is a graduate of Chandler High School, Tyler Junior College, The University of Texas at Austin, and received his master's degree from East Texas State University.

He is retired from 40 years with Brookshire Grocery Company, last serving as senior vice president of advertising.

He is available to speak free about his childhood experiences at civic groups, clubs, or school classes.

To receive additional information on his books and on speaking engagements visit him online at www.feedsackfashions. com.