James Christopher Pope, Sr., "Jim", "Pork Chop", age 83, of Gadsden, Alabama, passed away on November 5, 2021. A celebration of life service and burial will be held on November 9, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Crestwood Funeral Home. Rev. Daniel Pope will officiate. Visitation with the family will be from 11:00-1:00 before the service.

Jim was a graduate of the Class of 1957 at Emma Sansom High School where he excelled in baseball with his team, winning the State Championship his senior season. Jim was a committed family man. He was a fantastic provider and steady encourager. Pork Chop retired from Gulf States Steel where he worked for 42 years. Jim was a lifelong member of East Gadsden United Methodist Church and a ministry partner with The Branches Gadsden. Jim loved baseball and children. He coached the American Legion (B&C Tire Company) Pony League and the American National Bank farm team, investing in generations of young men. He loved Braves baseball and Wheel of Fortune.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife Betsy (Nelms) Pope, parents, G.F. and Veo Virginia (Lovvorn) Pope, and his brothers Edsel and Douglas Pope, and sisters Louise (Pope) Awbrey and Mildred (Pope) Butts.

Jim is survived by his sons, James C. Pope, Jr. (Catherine) and Daniel D. Pope.; a brother Frank Pope; and beloved grandchildren Elizabeth Pope, Emily Pope, and Jackson Pope.

The family would like to extend special thanks to caregivers Stacy Hannah, Lisa Bynum, and others, the faith families at The Branches Gadsden and E. Gadsden United Methodist Church, and to special friend Rhonda Teal who has given so much loving care and support.