Joseph B. "JB" Powers, R.I.P.

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"JB" Powers, a founder of the Carbine Club in 1976, passed away last week at age 95.  

JB served as our "main brain," a highly skilled and thoughtful researcher and writer, whom we called "The Godfather" because he set the standard for excellence, and held us all to that standard.  No speculating in newsletter articles, make sure you have documentation or other evidence to back up what you say and write, check your work for errors and then check it again, never cheat another Carbine Club member.  Shun the limelight, speak quietly, carry yourself with dignity and always make time to help fellow collectors. 

Because of his strict leadership, the Carbine Club newsletters have withstood the test of time, and remain the most accurate and credible source of information on the production history of the M1 Carbine.  

In the 1980s-1990s, a group of us collectors would always gather in a motel room in Columbus, OH during the OGCA gun show weekends for "show and tell."  JB would command the room with his quiet and reserved presence, as he discussed his latest findings on parts or production, and answered our myriad of questions.

JB retired from "active duty" with the Carbine Club in 2010 due to deteriorating eyesight. His last article was in Newsletter 357.  It was an analysis of everything the Club had learned about all the serial number blocks since 1976.  Read those 19 pages and you will appreciate the time and effort it took JB to compile, study, write and type that synopsis.  Incredible dedication to us and our carbine hobby!

Born in West Virginia, JB joined the Navy at age 17 during WWII, but the war ended before he was sent overseas.  He studied engineering and accounting and lived most of his life in Charlotte, NC.

With the recent passing of Larry Ruth, Bill Ricca, Billy Pyle (Garands), and now JB Powers, the "old guard" pioneers and students of military firearms research and collecting are leaving us.  It is  our responsibility and challenge to carry on in their footsteps and live by their standards.

May their souls rest in peace.

Marty Black

Edited by Marty Black - Mar 12 2023 at 12:16pm

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Marty Black Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Editor in Chief Emeritus Joined: Dec 30 2015 Location: Pismo Beach, CA Status: Offline Points: 100258	Post Options Post Reply Quote Marty Black Report Post Thanks(3) Quote Reply Topic: Joseph B. "JB" Powers, R.I.P. Posted: Mar 12 2023 at 11:39am
	"JB" Powers, a founder of the Carbine Club in 1976, passed away last week at age 95. JB served as our "main brain," a highly skilled and thoughtful researcher and writer, whom we called "The Godfather" because he set the standard for excellence, and held us all to that standard. No speculating in newsletter articles, make sure you have documentation or other evidence to back up what you say and write, check your work for errors and then check it again, never cheat another Carbine Club member. Shun the limelight, speak quietly, carry yourself with dignity and always make time to help fellow collectors. Because of his strict leadership, the Carbine Club newsletters have withstood the test of time, and remain the most accurate and credible source of information on the production history of the M1 Carbine. In the 1980s-1990s, a group of us collectors would always gather in a motel room in Columbus, OH during the OGCA gun show weekends for "show and tell." JB would command the room with his quiet and reserved presence, as he discussed his latest findings on parts or production, and answered our myriad of questions. JB retired from "active duty" with the Carbine Club in 2010 due to deteriorating eyesight. His last article was in Newsletter 357. It was an analysis of everything the Club had learned about all the serial number blocks since 1976. Read those 19 pages and you will appreciate the time and effort it took JB to compile, study, write and type that synopsis. Incredible dedication to us and our carbine hobby! Born in West Virginia, JB joined the Navy at age 17 during WWII, but the war ended before he was sent overseas. He studied engineering and accounting and lived most of his life in Charlotte, NC. With the recent passing of Larry Ruth, Bill Ricca, Billy Pyle (Garands), and now JB Powers, the "old guard" pioneers and students of military firearms research and collecting are leaving us. It is our responsibility and challenge to carry on in their footsteps and live by their standards. May their souls rest in peace. Marty Black Edited by Marty Black - Mar 12 2023 at 12:16pm
	Marty Black

Dave Tennent Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List On Point Joined: Jan 02 2016 Location: Maryland Status: Offline Points: 259	Post Options Post Reply Quote Dave Tennent Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Mar 12 2023 at 12:51pm
	Well said, God bless him.
	Dave

Dan Pinto Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Joined: Nov 15 2015 Location: CCC Forum Status: Offline Points: 27	Post Options Post Reply Quote Dan Pinto Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Mar 15 2023 at 7:57am
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