James L. Pope

Jim was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on the 8th of February, 1943 to parents Archie and May.

Jim’s family lived in Indianapolis where he and his sister, Shirley, spent many of their childhood days working in their parents’ market store and gas station. Upon graduation from Warren Central High School in Indianapolis he enlisted in the U.S. Army in June of 1966. After completing basic training at Fort Knox Kentucky, Jim was sent to Southeast Asia to support operations in Vietnam. Jim experienced heavy combat during his time in Vietnam in which he was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action, Republic of South Vietnam Bronze Star for valor and heroic conduct in combat, Army Commendation Medal and Vietnam Service Medal.

When Jim returned home from duty in Vietnam in late 1968, he worked numerous jobs in construction and later went on to retire at Marietta Bakery after 20 years of service.

Jim was married to Joyce Parsons on October 31, 1988.

Jim was a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2093 where he served numerous posts including commander in 2013.

In his younger years, Jim was an avid fisherman and enjoyed taking friends and family along with him for ocean fishing. In later years he traded ocean fishing for lake fishing where he and his wife Joyce enjoyed fishing for crappies.

Jim was a great friend to many, a loving son, brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and a hero to his nation. Our world is a lesser place without him.

Jim is survived by his daughters, Cindy and Pamela, and his son James as well as his grandchildren, Jimmy, Rodney, Heather, Austin, and Grace, and great-grandchildren Jimmy, Nick, Alana, Addison, Jayden, Trey, Kaydence, Jaylen, Aliza and Hayven. Jim’s is also survived by his sister Shirley Blue and her family. Jim’s best friend; his dachshund, Little Bit will continue to live with his daughter Cindy.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Pope, who passed in 2012, and granddaughter, Lauren, who passed in 2021.

Funeral arrangements will be held at Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home on August 24, 2025. Visitation will be at 11:00 am and service at 12:00 pm.

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