James "Jim" D. Bopp

James Dayton Bopp October 1951 – January 2021

Jim Bopp passed away unexpectedly last Sunday in Florida with his wife Jan. Husband and Soulmate to Jan Bopp for 50 years. Son to Bill and Agnes Bopp (deceased), Dad to Jim Bopp and Julie Bopp Rhody (Chris), Grandpa to Cameron Bopp, Cole Rhody and Dex Rhody, Brother to Linda Labarre, Bill Bopp (Marcia) and Lois Voss (Tim), Uncle to 14 nieces and nephews, cousin and friend to so many that loved him that it would be impossible to list.  

Jim had many stories and lessons from a life lived with passion, sometimes sharing those stories over and over with a smile on his face to whoever would listen. He thought about what he wanted and he made sure it happened.  

He became a small aircraft pilot in the early ‘80s. He improved his golf game at least 4 times a week that resulted in 5 holes in one. An impressive number and not quite fair since most of us never even see one! He passed this passion on to all 3 of his grandsons. He taught his kids to snow ski in Northern Michigan and skied every year with his wife, grandsons, daughter, and friends in Colorado. He built a lake house in his home town for his family to gather, to fish, to boat, to enjoy the view with those he loved. He liked fast cars and even allowed his grandsons to drive them. He loved to fly and he passed his passion for aviation on to his grandson Cole.  

Jim loved to sing both tenor and bass and he sang in every church choir he belonged to over the years and participated in multiple quartets and singing groups. 

He and Jan flew his small airplane all over the country to connect with loved ones and to Minnesota every year for over 20 years with family and friends to fish. Which combined 3 things so important to him; people, fishing, and flying. He had a vision for how to live life with joy and he never stopped. 

Jim and Jan were married for 50 years. They celebrated their 50th anniversary with Chuck and Yvonne Hauska in New Zealand right before covid shut down the world. What a gift.  

Jim excelled at generosity. He would give his time, love, skill, and money to those he loved and many who he didn’t even know. His legacy is the reminder to live out our passions, connect with those we love often, work hard for what we want, and live within our means.  

Jim’s smile, laughter, and those blue eyes will be deeply missed. 

The family will have a small memorial at home, a larger celebration will be planned for summer 2021. Thoughts and prayers are appreciated. Flowers and donations are not necessary.