James Harold Popejoy, age 87, passed away at home surrounded by his family on March 14, 2024. He was born on November 26, 1936 in Marion County, Il. to James Foster and Nellie Pearl Bushears. James was adopted August 18, 1942 by Ural and Verna (Gladys Rouse) Popejoy in Wayne, Mi. He joined the United States Army in 1958 and proudly served his country for 24 years as a medic until retiring on April 30, 1978. James served in Vietnam, Korea and Germany. He received the National Defense Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster as well as multiple other awards for his meritorious service. After retiring James worked for National Gypsum as a boardline operator. James married Janet Louise Vliet on November 7, 1959. He was married for 62 years and had 4 daughters.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He enjoyed hunting with Janet Popejoy, Rick Gapuz and Robert Webb III; spent summers fishing with Rick Gapuz and Robert Webb III. He also spent free time watching the Lions, Nascar and going to the casino with his family.
He is survived by his children; Tina Louise (Leonard) Harrington of Tawas, Zina Lynn (Bryan Cooper) Smith of Hale, Dorothy Ann (Rick) Gapuz of Hale, Candy Marie (Robert) Webb II of Hale; grandchildren, Corrina (Hutcherson) Regier, Molenda (Johnson) and Shane Arndt, Jennette (Gapuz) and Justin Helton, Bocandra Webb and Eddy Hitsman, Robert Webb III; great grandchildren, Arianna Helton, Dominic Helton, Mackenzie Arndt, Vincent Hitsman, Rileigh Roach, and Kyra Helton. In addition to his loving wife of 62 years, James is preceded in death by his birth and adopted parents, and his sister Flora Ann Popejoy. Per his wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled for a later date. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.
Obituary lovingly written by family.
