James W. "Son" Pope

Born September 3, 1927 in Catawba County, he was the son of the late Earl Henderson Pope and Villa Moser Pope. Son was a life-long and active member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Claremont where he was a former member of the church council and choir. He loved his church and church family and especially enjoyed southern gospel music and singing with the Marksmen Quartet. Son worked in the furniture industry his entire career working with Southern Furniture and Scales Furniture before becoming part owner and President of Montclair Furniture Co. in Claremont. He later also worked with Bassett Furniture in Newton, NC. After his retirement, Son worked part-time with Drum and Willis-Reynolds Funeral Homes in Conover and Newton where his compassion and care for others was evident. Son was a member of Catawba Country Club where he enjoyed playing golf and cards with his friends. His greatest joy came from spending time with all his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Frankie Little Pope; brother, Bobby Pope; sisters, Earline P. Seitz and Martha P. Carpenter; nephew, Earl “Hum” Carpenter.

Son is survived by his daughter, Joanna Eckard and husband, David of Sherrills Ford; grandchildren, Dawn Spagnoli and husband, Dan of Southport, NC, Jamie Eckard and Fiancée, Hanane Benkirane of Norfolk, VA; great-grandchildren, Samuel and Sally Spagnoli; nieces and nephews, Gail Carpenter, Ann Fairaizl and husband, Alan, Julie Filer and husband, Gene, Ronald Sigmon and wife, Kathy, and Ginger Carpenter; his loving and faithful caregiver of 3 years, Naia Smith, and a special dear friend, Annie Deal.

A Service of Remembrance will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, March 9, 2015 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church with Rev. Dr. Gary Haddock and Rev. Paul Christ officiating. A graveside service will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Pre-school, P.O. Box 550, Claremont, NC 28610 or Catawba Regional Hospice-Sherrills Ford, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658.