James and Joy Powers of Independence Township got together during World War II and have been a couple ever since.
‘I was in the service and a buddy from Detroit knew my wife through an aunt ? they worked together,? James said. ‘I asked if maybe she could write to me. She wrote, and I answered.?
‘I wanted to write to help his morale,” Joy said. “I was young and impetuous ? his first words back were ‘what kind of girl writes to a fellow first?? I wrote back, ‘you’ll have to meet me.??
He served at Ft. Benning during the war and returned home in December 1945, which is when they met.
‘That was the beginning,? James said.
‘That was the start of a wonderful journey, and the most wonderful family. He’s been the most wonderful husband ever,? said his wife.
After the war, James worked at General Motors for 35 years. When he applied, the superintendent knew Joy’s mother and called her for a reference.
“That’s why he hired me,” James said. “He said ‘if he’s was good enough for her, he’s good enough for me.”
They were married at St. Michael’s in Pontiac on Sept. 10, 1949, and recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary with family and friends.
They hosted their anniversary party at Shepherd’s Hollow with their three daughters, Kimberly (Todd) Miller, Laurie (Tim Pyykkonen), and Holly, grandchildren and great grandchildren, who all live in the Clarkston area. The couple had retired up north, but returned to Clarkston in 2007 to be close to them.
‘We’re back to enjoy our family, our grandchildren,? Joy said.
They’d go to Florida during the winters, but always returned to the Mitten State.
“We like Michigan,” James said. “That’s why we built up north.”
“We’re too attached to family,” Joy said.
Their secret to 65 years of wedded bliss?
“We love each other,” James said.
“First comes respect, then comes love. That’s true in every situation,” Joy said. “We listen to each other.”