John Thomas Bopp

Born to Earl and Winifred Bopp, on August 19, 1939 in Mrs. Daniel Burns Home in Spaulding, Nebraska. He was immediately inundated with the love of family and God. The youngest of four, he was soon toddling after big brothers, Michael and Edward and could always be found in the arms of his big sister, Mary Elizabeth (Babe). He was raised in a loving home by devoted parents and in his childhood, he was embraced by the small community, spent his days in the halls of Spaulding Academy and in the pews of St. Michaels Catholic Church cementing his relationship with faith and God.

He was very active in sports, football and basketball were his favorite. In his teen years, you could find JT behind the soda counter at Fox Drugs. The stories he shared were numerous regarding that Soda shop and his love of chocolate milkshakes never did waver.

A role he was born to play, JT was just a few years younger than his siblings (16 to be exact), making him an uncle at a young age ensuring plenty of playmates. He was always there to goof around with, always a smile, always a hug, always ready for some fun. Even well into his older years, as the niece and nephew count continued to grow, you could always count on him for the big moments and showing up for the small moments.

Upon graduation from high school, he joined the seminary, cementing his further commitment to his love for God. Navigating his way through the program he finalized his journey to priesthood at Conception Abbey in Missouri. Post ordination he was assigned as Assistant Pastor in Sydney, NE, where he was beloved by the congregation. The bishop asked him to continue his journey with God and move on to Chadron State University to be the Neuman Chaplain and he had the opportunity to complete his Masters Degree during this time.

At the same time a young nun, Carol Marie was teaching at Assumption Academy in Chadron, NE, God and fate had different ideas upon the path as to which John would go. After meeting her at a few social events, they were smitten with each other, but still committed to their relationships with the Church. Carol needed a ride home from Nebraska to Independence, MO and of course John offered to drive her on his way to Mississippi State University. Mississippi State is not where JT was meant to land, and shortly thereafter, he married the love of his life, Carol and they eloped in April of 1970.

Starting their new life together in Kansas City, MO, John began his career in counseling. Working at Penn Valley he provided student and professional counseling all the while working on his on Doctorate. Slowly building his professional career he was instrumental in establishing the counseling program at Avila University in Kansas City, he finalized his education with a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Missouri, Kansas City and went on to build a very successful private practice.

John and his wife, opened their hearts and doors to anyone who needed it, but the most special to their hearts, were their six children. Jason came first, a spunky two-year-old toddler, a few years later a knock at the door lead to Meagen to round out this family of four. Somehow it still felt incomplete, so life brought home Nathan, the biggest smile and deepest dimples you have ever seen. Kaleen followed, the most precious squealing baby to be place in their arms. Now a family of six, they still weren’t done, Jacqueline joined at the age of three and out of the gate made herself part of the family with a quick stint in the hospital. Still this bunch wasn’t complete, hoping for a boy they waited until the last available baby – Erin Claire came along fourteen years after the first to finalize the Bopp Kids.

John loved the outdoors and tried to pass on his love of camping and fishing to his family, Carol and some of the kids embraced it wholeheartedly and others not so much. As life went on, and his children grew his past times took over, he would busy himself, participating in Church activities, reading, playing games, puttering around the house, crosswords, and with his “other children” the dogs. His favorite past time was spending time with his grandkids and great grandkids, their sweet innocence was something he adored. He loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was never happier than when he was with them, and they weren’t fighting.

JT placed a lot of importance on his relationship with God. He lived his life, especially in the later years to honor God and care for the people around him. He was always an active participant in the church from being a Eucharistic minister to community fellowship and toward his final years when he could, he was an active participant in prayer groups.

He is remembered with great love as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather guiding and supporting his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren throughout their lives. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Winifred Bopp, his siblings, Michael Bopp, Edward Bopp (Catherine) and Mary Elizabeth Peterson (Charles). Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Carol Marie Bopp, his sons, Jason Bopp (Betsy) and Nathan Bopp (Jennifer); his daughters, Meagen Tripses (Mark), Jacqueline Bopp, Kaleen Bopp (Larry) and Erin Bopp; grandchildren, Justin Bopp, Jakob Tripses, Gavin Flenory, Jason Dean Jr. Ashlynn Sheets, Gabrielle Flenory, Pagie Bopp, Tommy Lindsey, Lauren Tripses, Drake Bopp; great-grandchildren, Wrennley, Journey, Azriel; brother-in-law Gary Patrick and beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

His wake will be held Thursday, January 16, 2025 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131. The Funeral Mass will be held, Friday January 17, 2025 at 11 AM at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church at 1001 East 52nd Street Kansas City, MO 64110. Burial and Interment will be held following mass at Mount Moriah Cemetery South at 10507 Holmes Road.