Obituary: Chris Powell

April 22, 1983 – October 28, 2025 
James Christopher Powell
April 22, 1983 – October 28, 2025
Musician, Skier, Designer, Entrepreneur

Chris Powell, a man known for his ability to make people laugh and feel truly seen, passed away on October 28, 2025, after a valiant and courageous battle with testicular cancer. He was 42.

Chris was the beloved son of Anne and Jim Powell, devoted husband of Kristin Kelly, brother to Adrienne Powell and a cherished son, brother, uncle and friend. He was born on April 22, 1983, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. At just 18 months old, his family moved to Vail, Colorado, where Chris was raised and where his deep love for the mountains, creativity and community took root.

Growing up in the Vail Valley, Chris embraced life with curiosity and joy. He attended Meadow Mountain Elementary School, Minturn Middle School, and Battle Mountain High School, where he was an active member of the drama club and performed in numerous school productions. Even at a young age, Chris possessed a rare gift: the ability to bring people together through humor, kindness, and shared purpose. He loved playing the drums, skiing the Colorado Rockies, and imagining what could be built next.

As a sophomore in high school, Chris began an internship with Hill Marketing & Advertising in Edwards, Colorado, where he developed his early skills in design and website development. His talent and dedication earned him a scholarship to the Art Institute of Colorado, where he graduated first in his class.

Following graduation, Chris worked with several organizations before co-founding Aevium Interactive alongside Chad and Ryan Serpan. As Creative Director, his expertise in UX/UI, motion, and interactive design helped create standout work for a wide range of brands. In 2010, Aevium Interactive was acquired by Hill Marketing & Advertising, and Chris played a key role in rebranding the combined agency as Hill Aevium.

In 2015, Chris joined the Vladimir Jones Agency as Senior Interactive Art Director, where his passion, thoughtfulness, and creativity continued to shine.
True to his entrepreneurial spirit, Chris later founded Brandminio, serving as Principal and Creative Director, blending his business insight with his love for branding and interactive design. His final creative venture, Terrible Tees Company, perfectly captured his humor and playful perspective — a legacy that continues to make people smile.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Chris was known for his sweetness, generosity, and deeply loving nature. As a child, he once sent all the money he had — one dollar — to grandparents Dee and Mavis Powell, simply because he wanted to give back. He treasured his family, writing heartfelt Mother’s Day cards, expressing deep gratitude to his father Jim, and sharing an unwavering bond with his loved ones. He adored his dog Buddy, loved musicals, tacos, beer, golden retrievers, warm hugs, and a comforting back rub. He valued friendships deeply and remained loyal and connected throughout his life. In fact, enjoy the Beer Buddies podcast he crafted with friend Devon Fanning called (appropriately) “Beer Buddies”.

Chris Powell lived a life filled with creativity, laughter, and love. His music, his work, his friendships, and the countless lives he touched will continue to carry his spirit forward.

Above all, Chris loved his wife Kristin fiercely and wholeheartedly, always seeing the very best in her and in others. He was a true friend — thoughtful, genuine, and kind — and someone who made those around him feel understood and valued. He fought bravely and did everything he could to stay.

Chris is survived by his wife Kristin Kelly; his parents, Anne and Jim Powell; his sister Adrienne (Powell) Carter and her husband Bryan Carter; his three nephews and one niece; and many extended family members and friends who were deeply loved by him. He is profoundly missed.

Chris battled testicular cancer for a number of years. Should you want to donate in his memory, here is the link to the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation. https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/donate