James Steven “Steve” Pope, 72, of Franklin passed away Nov. 3, 2024, at Grant Rehabilitation and Care Center in Petersburg.
He was born on June 18, 1952, in Harrisonburg, Virginia, the son of the late James Keith and Alberta (Ryan) Pope.
Mr. Pope loved growing up in Brandywine. He was a 1970 graduate of Franklin High School where he excelled in football, baseball and basketball. He attended Fairmont State University, majoring in business administration and computer science.
He was a truck driver for Safeway in the Washington, DC, area for 17 years. Later he became a lineman for Allegheny Power Company and retired as a meter reader in 2011.
He was a member of the Franklin Moose Lodge #769 and attended Faith Lutheran Church, but as a child he was a member of the Brandywine Methodist Church.
He took pride in his family and when asked what his greatest accomplishment was, he was quick to reply, “my family, my children and my grandchildren.” In his spare time, he enjoyed golfing and hunting. He loved restoring old cars and his favorite project was a 1964 Chevrolet Corvette.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory the mother of his children, Gretta (Lambert) Pope of Franklin; a daughter, Brooke Hott of Ft. Seybert; a son, James Travis “JT” Pope of Charleston; two step-daughters, Hilary Wimer of New Market, Virginia, and Ali Judy of Upper Tract; a sister, Sarah Barger of Brandywine; and five grandchildren, Carter and Ashlyn Judy, Brennan Valenti and Paisley and Rhett Hott.
He was also preceded in death by a brother, Sandy Keith Pope; and a sister, Susan Pope.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. today at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Franklin with Pastor Mike Loudermilk officiating.
Memorials may be made to any Pendleton County Rescue Squad.
Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com.
