James Anderson Pope

James Anderson Pope, 79, of Ammon, passed away Friday, May 20, 2022, with his beloved wife, children, and family by his side. 

Jim was born in Preston, Franklin County, Idaho, on March 14, 1943, to Dorothy Cleo Anderson Pope and James Carol Pope.

He grew up and attended school in Salmon, Idaho, and graduated from Salmon High School in 1962. After graduation, he served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the California Mission. While on his mission, his family moved to Carlsbad, California. 

Upon completion of his missionary service, he met the love of his life, Martha Gwen Bobo Rowe, and they were married for time and all eternity on April 15, 1965, in the Los Angeles Temple. They resided in Carlsbad, California, until Jim graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree from San Diego State College on January 31, 1969.

After his graduation from college, they resided in Santa Ana, California, where Jim began a career of management with Bullock’s Department Store in the clothing industry. Three years later, his management skills changed to the electronic industry which moved his family to Oceanside, California, in July 1978. He retired in December 2005, and in 2006, he and Martha relocated to his home state of Idaho. 

James was happiest when he was busy and loved being around people, so after retirement, he became a greeter for Walmart and worked there for 10 years.

His life was full of service. He held many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including serving in the San Diego Temple for five years and the Idaho Falls Temple for 12 years. However, the calling he was known best for was Bishop. He served 15 years as a Bishop in Carlsbad and Oceanside, California Wards. He was a leader in the Boy Scouts of America and was awarded the Silver Beaver Award.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Martha Pope of Ammon, ID; mother, Ida Mae Pope; siblings, Carol Lorenzo (Nancy) Pope, Susan (Charles) Sweeney, Erma (Lawrence) Foltz, and Sharman Pope; children, James Benjamin, Gwen (Bradley) Lambson, Marja (Robert) Redieske, Alexander Eugene, Elizabeth (Douglas) Pinder, Nathaneal Anderson; 34 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy Cleo Anderson Pope and James Carol Pope; brother, Paul Ross Pope; grandsons, Jacob Wayne Lambson, Aiden Skye Kawehekulani Pope, Mason Samuel Makana Pope; granddaughter, Sophia Rhea Pinder; and great grandson, Daxton Ray Lambson.

Everyone will miss his positive attitude, warm smile, quick wit, the twinkle in his eyes, and his love for berry pie.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 28, 2022, at the Boulder Creek Ward, 4375 E. Sunnyside Road, Ammon, Idaho 83406, with Bishop Gregory Hoch officiating. The family will visit with friends from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that instead you bless the lives of those around you with service and kindness the way Jim did every day of his life. It would be the best way to honor him.

Services will be broadcast live here. The password is BoulderCR.