James Leonard "Jim" Popp

James Leonard "Jim" Popp, age 86, passed away on Thursday May 8, 2025, in Embarrass, Wisconsin. Jim was born on March 17, 1939, in Green Bay to the late Leonard and Lucille (Eckert) Popp. He graduated from Bonduel High School, then attended University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point College. After 2 years at UWSP, Jim received an appointment to the West Point United States Military Academy, where he graduated with an engineering degree in 1962. Jim then completed 27 years of military service with the United States Army, achieving the rank of Colonel. After graduating from the Basic Officer's Course in Field Artillery, Airborne School and Ranger school, Jim was a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division, serving as a forward observer. After graduating from flight school at Ft. Rucker, he then served 2 tours in Viet Nam (with a tour with the 1st Calvary Division in between tours), flying Hueys during his first tour and serving as a Cobra attack helicopter pilot/Battery Commander during his second tour. Tours with the 1st Calvary Division and the Pentagon followed, along with the Army's Command and General Staff College, as well as a battalion/Kaserne commander in Germany before ending his career as the Inspector General for the Minnesota National Guard.
Upon retiring, Jim returned to the Shawano area, where he set up shop as an outboard repair guru. Hundreds of boats and people passed through his shop, many regaled with tales on a wide-ranging variety of topics. Jim quickly became known as an expert on older-model outboard motors and the yard at his shop was often full of boats with motors waiting to be fixed.
Jim was a serious, hard-working and humble man who loved meeting people and chatting, loving to share his life stories and the wisdom borne of those experiences. In his free time, he loved fishing and fixing anything that needed to be fixed. Jim's inquisitive nature made him a man of many talents and interests who will be missed by many.
Jim is survived by his nephew Rick (Jennifer) Popp; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; and special friends Pam and Paul Haasl, as well as countless other friends.
Jim is preceded in death by his siblings, Richard Popp and Janet Swearingen; as well as his parents Leonard and Lucille.
A memorial gathering will be held on Wednesday, May 14th, 2025, at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano. Military honors will be conducted after the gathering by the Shawano VFW. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4:30pm -6pm. Burial will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Bonduel.
Shawano Location