James Austin Power

James Austin Power, 77, of West Palm Beach, Fla., passed away at home with family beside him on January 27, 2024, at 7:47am. Jim was born in Brooklyn, NY, on November 10, 1946, to Lola and Austin Power who brought him home to meet a very excited older sister, Virginia (Ginger). He attended James Madison High School and graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, WV in 1967. Our uncle served in the Vietnam War for the United States of America in a dental unit considered not on enemy line. When he was asked about how long he was over there, he replied, "Six months, 3 weeks, 9 days and 12 minutes." Once back home, he moved to NYC to reside on the Upper East Side at 77th and York Drive. He also met the love of his life – Dan Hastings -- and the two of them enjoyed the good life for more than forty years. In 2014, returning to familiar vacationing grounds, they purchased a house in 2014 in West Palm Beach, FL. Jim was very close with his family and never missed a family function or celebration. He and his partner were generous about opening their home to any guests, and they were always gracious hosts. At their home in Florida, Jim & Dan took care of and fed a huge family of ducks that grew fat and happy from their spoiled treatment. Harry and family (the duck colony that grew to 50 strong!) came by for breakfast and dinner, and their last nest had thirty duck eggs waiting to hatch. Uncle Jim was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Lola Mae Ross Power, his father, Austin Power, and his sister, Virginia Marie Power. Also, by Pepper Ann, his adorable pet canine that he and his husband loved, cared for, and spoiled for more than 13 years. Jim is survived by his husband, Daniel Richard Hastings, his niece, Tracey Kirk (with her husband Gregg and daughter Carly Lola); his nephew, Brad Smith (with his wife Heike and sons Ryan and Cameron Smith).