James A. Popp

James Alden Popp, 80 of Traverse City, MI passed away on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at McReynold’s Hall in Gaylord, MI with his family by his side.

James was born to Clarence and Loretta (Reicha) Popp as the seventh of their eight children on November 9, 1943, in Traverse City. He grew up on the family farm in Northport, MI and graduated from the Northport High School in 1961. In 1962 he moved to Traverse City and entered the electrician apprenticeship program, became a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 498 in 1964, and completed his electrical apprenticeship in 1966. Thereafter, he got his journeyman’s license, became a master electrician, and worked as a union electrician for the rest of his career. He retired in 2006 after 42 years in the trade. He loved to work and said those 42 years were the best years of his life. In 2024 he celebrated 60 years as a member of the IBEW.

Jim met his future wife, a Michigan Bell operator named Frances “Fran” Cereske, and they were married on November 28, 1964 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Traverse City. They enjoyed 43 years of marriage, ultimately welcoming four children and seven grandchildren into their lives.

Jim built their home in Traverse City with the help of his brother, Clarence. In 1970 Jim and Fran moved into this house with their four children; ages newborn to four years old. They raised their family and resided in this house for the rest of their married years. Jim, having grown up on a farm, enjoyed planting vegetable gardens with Fran every year for the many decades they lived together at this home. 

Jim liked every season of Northern Michigan, but his favorite season was gun season. He loved to hunt, he loved to fish, enjoying both his time in the woods and on the lakes. He was an incredible card player, never minding whether he won or lost – but almost always won! He taught his children to play almost every kind of game, and with that, the art of being a good sport. He always said, “It’s just about having fun.” He liked games of every kind, having a real affinity for card games, but his family believes his favorite game was getting a good deal!

Surviving are his children, Deborah (Mark) Nearing of Gaylord, Jeffrey (Sheri) Popp of Petoskey, Bradley (Tracie) Popp of Traverse City, and Rebecca Popp of Paw Paw; grandchildren, Joshua, Jessica, Isaac, Eli, Matthew, Seth and Katelyn; siblings, Geraldine (Gerald) Miller, John (Diane) Popp, Dorothy Lamb, and Christine (Robert) Wagley. 

James was preceded in death by his wife, Fran; his parents, Clarence and Loretta; siblings, Clarence (Patricia), Raymond (Diana), Mary Lou (John) Bumgardner; brother-in-law David Lamb; and son-in-law, John Barney.

Jim’s children are particularly grateful to the entire staff at McReynolds Hall for their endless compassion and care over these past two years for the man they lovingly referred to as “Pops”. The unlimited kindness extended by every member there - whether it be the doctor, the nurses and aides, the activities coordinator, custodial and kitchen staffs, the social worker, or administrative staff – they all delivered respect, smiles, and comfort every day.

The family has chosen to remember him privately. Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on his guestbook below.