James E Popwell

James Emmett Popwell, Jr., age 82, passed away on October 14, 2012. He was pre-deceased by his wife Marline Pankey Popwell. He is survived by his daughters Beanie Kops (Chris), and Happy Anthony (Bill); grandchildren Carter Budwell III, Jimmy Budwell, William Anthony, Jr., and Ann Anthony; sisters Barbara Hawkins and Virginia LeVaughn; nieces Jinny Hawkins and Dale Turnbough, and nephew Bo Grisham (Kay).

He was born on September 27, 1930, in Birmingham, Alabama. Jim attended Phillips High School, Marion Military Institute, Auburn University and graduated from Birmingham Southern College in 1952. His college fraternity was Kappa Alpha Order. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War.

Jim was a member of Canterbury United Methodist Church and attended the JOY Sunday School Class. He was Past President and Chairman of Junior Achievement of Jefferson County and a charter Board Member of the Birmingham Jaycee Foundation. He was also past president of the Young Men’s Business Club of Birmingham and a member of Kiwanis Club of Birmingham. His business career was with Alabama Gas Corporation where he retired in 2005 as Director of New Business Development.

Jim, known as “Pops,” was a member of the Country Club of Birmingham where he served as club president in 1997. He enjoyed tennis, golf, and “lunch with the guys” in the 19th Hole. The joy of his day was to talk or spend time with his grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Friday October 19, 2012, at 11 a.m. at Canterbury United Methodist Church. There will be a visitation one hour before the service in the Parlor. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Southern Care Hospice, 2204 Lakeshore Drive #475, Bham, AL 35209 or to Canterbury United Methodist Church, 350 Overbrook Road, Bham, AL, 35213.