James L. Yopp died at age 75 on June 5, 2019. He was born on October 6, 1943 in Memphis, TN. He graduated from Frayser High School and William R. Moore College of Technology in Memphis, TN. He worked at Sonoco Products as the plant electrician for 45 years. He was a longtime member of the N. B. Forrest Camp 215 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
He was preceded in death by his parents Henry L. Yopp and Gladys Evelyn Brooks Yopp and one sister Lily Jane Yopp Robbins. He is survived by Margaret Anne Thompson Yopp, his wife of 56 years; his two children, a son David L Yopp and his wife Julie Champion Yopp, and a daughter Jeannie Marie Yopp Cochran and her husband James Clifford Cochran, one granddaughter Chloe Yopp, five grandsons Colby Yopp, Jon Yop, Asa Yopp, Kevin Cochran and Cory Cochran.
James, or “Jimmy” as he was known by his friends, had many interests and hobbies throughout his life. For many years he was a league bowler at Northgate Lanes, then later at Winchester and Bartlett lanes. Subsequently, all of the bowling teams he happened to be a member of, no matter the location, were known as the “funnest” teams to bowl against.
One of Jimmy’s great passions was camping and boating. From the time he married and started a family, he would spend his weekends at Enid Lake, Ms., relaxing at the campsite, or pulling his children, Jeannie and David, on skis around the lake. In more recent years he and his wife Margaret started an annual family tradition at Paris Landing that included boating, camping and feeding peanuts to the squirrels with his grandson, Asa.
Several decades ago he also became a serious coin collector, concentrating on rare pennies. At the birth of each of his grandchildren, he began a coin collection for them, adding a silver dollar and other rare coins and notes each year on their birthday. Colby, Chloe, Jon and Asa's coins were each organized into a book, and they will now each receive their collection at his passing.
Jimmy was a generous man and often devoted his spare time to his church, or offered his strength to a friend or family member who was in need. He gave of himself freely, never expecting anything in return. A sturdy handshake, or a slap on the back followed by “thank you” would always suffice.
Those who knew him well are so very saddened by his passing. He will be missed dearly.
