James spent his early life in Amoret and attended school at Miami R-1. He helped his parents and grandparents with farming. He was born to Gilbert and Marjorie Popplewell of Butler, Missouri, and had a brother, Pat Popplewell, and a sister, Linda Bronnenberg.
James served in the Army as an aircraft mechanic and was honorably discharged as a Specialist 4. His military achievements include the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, 1 Overseas Bar, Aircraft Crewman Badge, and the Sharpshooter Badge M-16. He retired from Kansas City Power and Light and was a proud Mason, Shriner, and lifetime member of the American Legion, VFW, Combat Vets, and AmVets.
James was married to Marilyn from 1971 to 1990, and together they had three daughters: Kandie (Jim) Glynn, Bridget (Jack) Miller, and Tanya (Ted) Kantor. He later married Teena Jones Popplewell, with whom he shared his life from 1996 to 2022.
He is survived by his three daughters Kandie, Bridget and Tanya, grandchildren Brook, Cameron, Kaden, Mariah (Max) , Gage( Lacy), Kaitlyn(Seth), Pheebe, Addison. Great grandchildren Amelia, Sylvia, Sophia, Kimbry, Easton, Odyn, Finnegan.
He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, brother and his wife Teena.
In his personal life, James enjoyed being a Shriner, riding motorcycles, boating, and spending time with friends. His adventurous spirit and dedication to his family and community will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.
