James Sylvester Popke

James (“Jim”) Sylvester Popke, 84, of Appleton, WI, died peacefully after a brief battle with brain cancer. 

He was born in Chicago, IL, on May 18, 1940, to Charles and Helen (Linsner) Popke. The family moved to Crystal Lake, IL, shortly before Jim began his freshman year at St. Mary’s Minor Seminary in Crystal Lake. He entered the United States Navy in 1961 and served aboard the USS Northampton cruiser in Norfolk, VA, and later in Oahu, HI, at Commander-in-Chief Pacific Fleet Headquarters (CINCPACFLT). While serving there, he met Jeanne Gannon, and they were married in 1967 after both had completed their service. They raised two sons, Michael and John. The family lived in Illinois, Minnesota, Colorado, Iowa, Ohio, and Wisconsin, eventually settling in Appleton, WI.

Jim’s career in the grocery and retail sales business spanned four decades and included high-profile roles with such companies as Red Owl, Roundy’s Inc., Merkts Cheese, and Appleton-based Telmark Sales Solutions Inc. He retired in 2005. Jim was always active in the local Catholic Church, a proud lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus, and an enthusiastic supporter of his children and grandchildren — regularly attending music and theatre performances and sporting events. He especially enjoyed watching his two grandchildren compete in swim meets for almost two decades. 

Jim considered gardening, organizing, and mentoring three of his strongest skills. When he wasn’t making his yard look pristine or rearranging his closet, he enjoyed sharing his insights, experiences, and usually a joke or two with colleagues and his children’s friends over the years. His goal was to bring out the best in people, and he always succeeded. 

Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jeanne Popke (Appleton, WI); his sons, Michael Popke (Lisa) of Sun Prairie, WI, and John Popke (Justin LaCrosse) of Neenah, WI; grandchildren Kayla Popke (DeForest, WI) and Tyler Popke (Monona, WI); his sister-in-law, Linda Popke (Sarasota, FL); his sisters, Marion Donner and Sharon Schaefer (both of Lake Geneva, WI); and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Helen, and his only brother, Carl Popke. 

Visitation for Jim will be held Monday, July 15, from 9 to 11 a.m., followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Bernard Catholic Parish, 1617 W. Pine St., Appleton, WI 54914. 

Mass may be viewed by following this link: James S. Popke Mass

Military Honors will be provided by Appleton VFW Post 2778. 

Jim’s family is extremely grateful to the medical teams and caregivers at Ascension St. Elizabeth Hospital, Rennes Health & Rehab Center, and especially Cherry Meadows Hospice — all in Appleton. 

Memorial donations may be made in Jim’s name to St. Bernard Catholic Parish in Appleton, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Appleton VFW Post 2778.