For some random reason, Jim came across my mind today and I was shocked to learn of his passing. He was one the smartest ecologists I ever worked with in 30+years and one of the best people I ever met.

It has taken me days to finally write.  Loved your smile, all our laughs together!  You told me (a long time ago) you were going to see me get married before you left me......I'm sorry that didn't happen.  I've always been a little slow.  Such wonderful memories.  Love you my friend.  I know you are watching over (some of) us!

Darren StoweJim was always smiling and that will be my memory.  I never could get over his fear of spiders and his chosen profession of ecology requiring field work in Florida.  I wish his life had been less stressful as he deserved the easiest possible trip though life.  He sure made others lives funnier and more interesting. 

Jim was my closest friend and best ecologist with whom I ever worked. He would always take time to teach younger ecologists (and even me!) about plants. I truly enjoyed working in the field with him all over the eastern U.S. for over 25 years.  Jim will be missed as a witty and completely honest person about everyone he talked about. I will surely miss you, my red-shouldered hawk.Phil

 an hour afterwards.to my knowledge that was his only trip to New York in the winter time. We had a blast!!

Jim was not only a wonderful co-worker, he was a great friend and I will always remember the time we spent together. He always had a joke, a smile, and that ornery twinkle in his eyes. He was a wise, intelligent, compassionate person who helped me find the path to supporting myself without having to depend on someone else to do it for me. He advised me about Social Security and that advise literally saved me from losing my home and my car when I was dismissed after 13 years from the company where we worked. He was honest, proud of his "family", and he will be missed, but not forgotten. 

Jim was an amazing and incredibly smart man. He was like an extended family member for me - like an uncle you didn't talk to or see very often, but when you did, he would keep you in stitches with laughter. His personality was infectious and you never had to wonder what was on his mind. Jim would often send me a text with a funny picture when he was thinking about me and my family. I sure will miss this sweet and goofy man. ❤️ 

"Uncle Jimmy" is what we called him.  He was the brother I never had.  Twenty years ago we all decided to buy a house together in Brooksville.  He helped us raise our kids - Matthew and Elizabeth.  Were there arguments and disagreements along the way? Of course!!  It wouldn't be a family without those, but there were way more blessings than I can count.  We did become a family, and were always there for one another.  Jim taught me so much about life, like not to take myself so seriously and not to worry so much about what others thought. He also made us eat our veggies! Jim was probably the most intelligent man I have ever been honored to know.  Rest in peace my dear friend.  You will be missed more than you know.

OBITUARY

James "Jim" Eri Poppleton, III

10 June, 1950 – 30 December, 2018

Merritt Funeral Home

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