James Kelly Pope

James Kelly Pope, age 79, passed away on Monday, February 27, 2023, at UMMC Hospital. Kelly was the beloved father of two children - Mark Pope and Juliana Pope Mayeaux.

Kelly was born to Julia Margaret Parker Pope and Robert James Pope, Sr. on August 24, 1943, in Pascagoula, Mississippi. He was the fourth of eight children. He attended Belzoni High School where he was Mr. BHS. He graduated from Mississippi State University where he received a degree in accounting, and he also served in the National Guard. After graduating college, He worked brief stints at General Tire and Lockheed Martin before settling into a 35-plus-year IT career at ExxonMobil in Louisiana and Texas.  After his retirement, he eventually moved back to Mississippi to reside in the state where he grew up and to spend time with his family.

He enjoyed playing tennis, working out, fishing, crooning his favorite songs on his singing machine, watching college sports, and all things Mississippi State. He was an avid fan of his alma mater and his Saturdays in the Fall revolved around football games. He loved to laugh and everyone that knew him was appreciative of his witty sense of humor. He was selfless and someone that could be counted on to show up when needed. A real father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend to all.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his youngest sister, Marla Powell; and brothers, Gene Pope and Carl Allen Pope.

He leaves behind his son, Mark Pope(Pam); daughter, Juliana Pope Mayeaux; grandson, Jeffery Mayeaux; granddaughters, Preslee and Natalie Pope; brother, Robert Pope(Carol); sisters, Patsy Ballard, Cherry Jeter, Barbara Sumrall(Andy); and sister-in-law, Nancy Pope.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, Teresa, Steve, Trey, Angie, Greg, Penny, Helga, Chris, Paul, Jennifer, and Justin.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 9, 2023, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Chancellor Funeral Home in Byram, MS.

A funeral service will take place on Friday, March 10, 2023 from 2:00-3:00 PM at Chancellor Funeral Home.

After the funeral and graveside visit, we will celebrate his life with friends and family.

Online guestbook may be signed at www.chancellorfuneralhome.com.