James Baird Pope Jr.

James was born on November 14, 1935 in Memphis, Tennessee to the late Mary Louise MacLeod and James Baird Pope, Sr. He was raised in Columbus, Mississippi, and was a graduate of Lee High School. He was an accomplished athlete in school, earning the nickname “Jarring Jim Pope” as a result of his performance as a fullback on the football team. He was a graduate of Mississippi State University where he earned a degree in Business Management. He married Shirley Mayo in 1960 and they lived together in Georgia where they raised their family. James was a sweet, kindhearted man with a great sense of humor. Professionally, he was at the top of his field. As an agency owner for Allstate Insurance, he earned numerous awards for his sales performance and customer service. He had an incredible work ethic and used that passion to build his business. Beyond work, he was proud of his Presbyterian Scottish Heritage and served as an Elder at Roswell Presbyterian and a member of Athens First Presbyterian Church. He was an organizer of Georgia Masters Swim Association and he was a huge fan of the Mississippi State University Bulldogs.

James is survived by his wife of 62 years, Shirley Mayo Pope; children: Kelly Pope Farley, Diane (Pete) Pope Griffin, and James Baird (Kimberly) Pope, III; grandchildren: Ryan Farley-Levin, Rachel Farley, Will Griffin, Ashley Pope, and Cameron Pope; and his sister, Patricia Ellis of Madison, Mississippi.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder, has charge of arrangements.