James "Deke" Pope Obituary

My vocation as a public health veterinarian employed by the U.S. Dept. of Ageiculture began in Nashville Tennessee in July1972 my new bride joined me in September and in August1975 we were transferred to Memphis where we lived in Whitehaven for 37 years and 35 of those years the in Oakshire neighborhood in the Vallewood Subdivision. James and my family were closely associated for34 of those years. His wife Gloria and my wife Diana were friends almost from the start with both having very young daughters Jamlila and my daughters Valerie & Adrienne were in the first 9th grade, 8th grade and 5th grade respectively at the new John P.Freeman Optional School in 1989 and subsequently they all graduated from Central High. James was an ideal neighbor in so many ways. We are the same age and were only a few doors apart on Autumnwood Drive and we were in close contact until we retired and returned to our hometown Mobile Alabama after 40 years as Tennesseans. I am deeply saddened to learn of James' passing away. My deepest sympathy and codolences to Mrs. Gloria and Doctor Jamila Pope. James Edward "Deke" Pope was a great CITIZEN and representative for Memphis.

James was my first cousin. We played together as kids when my parents would drive from Chicago to Memphis for summer vacations.
He was a loving & kid man & will truly be missed. Rest in Peace James.
Your Cousin,
Patricia Pope Govia

I am so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful, smart and caring person

May you Rest In Power my favorite Macy's Furniture Salesman

My sincere condolences to Mrs. Pope and Jamila. I pray for your strength, peace, and comfort during this very difficult time. As a neighbor for many years, I found Mr. Pope to be very pleasant, always acknowledging and waving when he saw you outside or passed his way! His presence in the neighborhood will most definitely be missed!
Linda Rooks & family

Gloria, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I pray for GOD to bless you and your family with peace, comfort and everlasting love. I have such fond memories of you and your family. You have my deepest condolences. Love you. Your classmate, Gloria Lynch Harris.

Goodbye to my dear friend and nextdoor neighbor for 20 years. RIH

Love Blessings to Bro Deke Family

He was a very good friend for a long time!
RIP! Elroy Carroll

Love You Uncle James, One Thing You Cared About And Always Said Was Your Going To LeMoyne-Owen & Getting That Degree & I Did It

Jamila-

My heart is heavy with sorrow for you, and I wish there were words powerful enough to ease your pain. Please know that I am holding you close in my heart and lifting you up in constant prayer.

I truly believe that God is near to the brokenhearted, and even in this valley, His presence surrounds you. May His love wrap around you like a blanket of peace, and may the memories of your loved one bring you comfort, even as you grieve.

Lean on your faith, your village, and your strength — which I know runs deeper than you may feel right now. You are not alone, my friend. I’m here for you, in every way you need — spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

With all my love and deepest sympathy,

My beloved Soror Jamila, My sincere condolences to you and your family. I pray that the beautiful memories of your dad bring you peace, comfort and strength. Love you!!

You are in my prayers. Love you. ❤

Gloria, my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Love ya girl
Myrtle

It was my pleasure knowing Mr. Pope. He was always full of stories of history of Memphis. Me not being born here always found them informative ands very interesting. I will miss the stories and the story teller.

My sincere condolences and prayers to Mrs. Pope and Dr. Pope

I grew up with the Pope family and lived a few doors down. Mr. Pope was always kind and a great role model for all of the children in the neighborhood.One of my most fond memories was when Mr. Pope taught me drive my manual transmission truck my parents gave it their all and then sent me to Mr.Pope. He was always so proud of his beautiful Jamila.

James was the first person I met in 1968 when I came to the University of Memphis. He and my late brother, Rev. Noah Alexander were good friends. James was friendly and kind. He was a gentleman. I am proud of his life and legacy. He was one of the 109 who participated in the integration of the University of Memphis. He was a civil rights leader. I will really miss him. He was a hero. He was highly intelligent and dedicated to God, his family, and the betterment of his race. I will never forget this great man. My condolescences go out to his family and to Dr. David Acey, his lifelong friend. May God bless you.

Rest in Peace my good brother. We fought many battles together.

To the Family of Deke, my sympathies to you in the passing of Deke. He was one of the first people I met when I came to Memphis nearly 32 years ago. He was kind, a wonderful sounding board and always on the scene for cultural, civic and social justice events. I will miss his presence while being reminded of his wisdom, commitment, and love of family. Rest in power Deke. Thank you.

Rest in peace with a sense of “job well done!
I always knew you as a gentleman and encourager, no matter what the challenge, no matter the audience or speaker. What a presence you’ve always had. Those who knew you respected you and we’ll miss you.
Rev. Sonia Louden Walker

Hello Mrs Pope, Dr Pope, and Family,

May God bless you during this difficult time. We love you! The Bradleys

My sincere condolences and prayers to Jamila and family. May God continue to grant you peace and strength. ❤❤

Aunt Gloria and Cousin/Sister Jamila I’m continuing to lift you in prayer, asking for comfort and strength in the loss of your husband, father and our uncle. We LOVE you and will support you during your bereavement!