James Pope

James Pope passed away July 5, 2026 in the Veterans Home of Chula Vista, CA, at the age of 89. He was born in Avoca, March 25, 1937; the son of Bill and Alice Pope.

As a youngster he worked on various farms with his family. When his father’s health did not enable him to farm anymore, Jim joined him in doing janitorial work at the school in Macedonia. At the age of 15 he got a job as a hired hand working on the Koch farm in Neola.

Jim was a graduate of Avoca High School, class of 1956. Shortly after graduation he joined the Navy and served in the Navy Submarine Service for 27 years. He served on 5 Submarines, USS Menhaden, USS Halibut, USS Scamp, USS Sculpin and HMCS Grilse, as a Sonarman.

Jim is survived by his loving partner of 42 years, Gerry Dye, 2 daughters Tami Nelson, and Lori Wharton of Houston,TX and 2 sisters Fran Rathke and Mary Schoemate of Council Bluffs. He is also survived by 3 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.