Jon Lee Pope went to be with the Lord on May 6, 2020. He was 76 years old.
Jon was a beloved son, nephew, husband and father. After a short battle with cancer, he died holding the hand with the love of his life, Jo Anne. Jon was raised by his mother, aunts and grandmother in Beardstown, Illinois. Jon was a devout Catholic and enjoyed his days as an alter boy. He graduated from the University of Illinois in Champaign, and later attained his Master's Degree at the University of Illinois in Springfield, before becoming a CPA.
He met his wife, Jo Anne, in 1974, in Lincoln, IL where she worked as a waitress during a college break. He invited her to the County Fair across the street with the promise of a teddy bear if she would come and visit his family's traveling carnival. He and his wife married in May of 1975. They moved to Spring, Texas from Illinois in 1985, to raise their young family.
Jon was the number one fan of his kids, and their constant supporter. He always would try any food. When ordering pizza with the kids, he always got overruled with his odd topping requests. He always had that carnie soul deep down inside. He never knew any strangers.
Jon and Jo Anne loved going to the movies, and often went every week-end. He was proud of his son, Chris and daughter-in-law, Kaori, earning their Master's degrees together. He was excited when his son Nick was on CNBC several times. He was thrilled when daughter, Amy and son-in-law, Billy, purchased their current home. He would often say that he was so proud, that his buttons were going to burst off his shirt.
The biggest joy was becoming a grandpa, and he excelled in this position. His only granddaughter Emily, taught him his grandparenting skills. Will, the fisherman, can tell as many tall tales as his grandpa. The younger grandsons, George and Louis loved to hear grandpa's stories on Skype or Facetime, they often talked about Blue Bell ice cream and basketball.
Jon was preceded in death, by his mother, Mary Pope, and aunts, Sally, Nora, and Jackie. He is survived by his wife, Jo Anne of 45 years, and his sons, Christopher and wife Kaori of Tokushima, Japan, Nicholas of NYC, NY and daughter Amy Collora and husband Billy of Montgomery, TX. Grandchildren, Emily and Will Collora and George and Louis Fujitaki Pope. He is also survived by brother in law John and wife Janice Walker, Emil Walker and sister in law Paulette Hart, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be greatly missed. There will be no services at this time, we are hoping to do a celebration of life at a future date.