Dr. James "Jimmy" C. Pope, M.D., passed away peacefully on February 7th, leaving behind a life defined by service, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to his community. A highly respected surgeon, devoted family man, and steadfast public servant, Jimmy's legacy stretches across decades of medical care and civic leadership.

Born on October 19, 1944, in Gainesville, Georgia, to Horace & Evelyn Chandler Pope, Jimmy moved with his family to Carrollton in 1948, where he quickly became a fixture in the community he would proudly call home for the rest of his life. He attended Carrollton High School, graduating in 1962, where he made history both on and off the field. Jimmy loved being a Carrollton Trojan. As a two-sport varsity athlete, he was part of Carrollton's 1961 state championship football team ("the only undefeated, untied team in Trojan history") and a key player on the 1962 state championship baseball team. His competitive spirit, discipline, and love of teamwork carried through every aspect of his life.

Jimmy went on to attend West Georgia College, where he served as President of the Freshman Class and was recognized in Who's Who Among American Colleges & Universities. He earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics in 1965, a field that suited his analytical mind and precise nature, before pursuing medicine at the Medical College of Georgia, where he graduated in 1969.

Following medical school, Jimmy completed his general surgery residency at the University of Tennessee in Memphis in 1974 and then served as a medical officer in the U.S. Army from 1974 to 1977 in Wurzburg, Germany. After his military service, he completed a vascular surgery fellowship before returning to Carrollton to join Carrollton Surgical Group in 1978.

For four decades, Jimmy dedicated himself to providing exceptional surgical care. He was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a President of the Georgia Surgical Society, and a founding member of the American Society of Breast Surgery. He held multiple leadership roles at Tanner Medical Center, including Chief of Staff and Chairman of the Department of Surgery. Known for both his surgical skill and his mentorship, he left a lasting impact on countless colleagues and patients. Jimmy was known for seeing his patients in the community and always stopping for a conversation.

Beyond his medical career, Jimmy was deeply committed to serving his community and was a lifelong member of Carrollton First Methodist Church, where he and Carmen enjoyed the fellowship of their Agape Sunday School class. He was also a great supporter of Carrollton City Schools. In 1983, he was elected to the Carrollton City Board of Education, where he served as a Board Member for 36 years and spent 18 of those years as Chairman of the Board. Though he was not an educator himself, he was a fierce advocate for students and public education, working to ensure that local schools had the resources and leadership needed to thrive. His work with the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) culminated in his tenure as President from 2010 to 2011, a role in which he helped shape education policy at the state level.

A man of sharp intellect, humor, and a keen eye for detail, Jimmy had a way of making any conversation more engaging, any story more entertaining, and any situation more interesting. He valued precision—especially with grammar—but never let that get in the way of a good laugh or a well-placed joke. He had a deep appreciation for history, a love of great discussion, and a reputation for delivering the perfect quip at just the right moment. Jimmy frequently invited people to "step into his office," where he would tell them what should happen "under the Pope Plan."

Jimmy's contributions to his profession and his community were numerous, but he experienced his greatest happiness with his family. He was a devoted husband to Carmen Crawford Pope, a loving father to Laura Pope (Tim) Rader and Jeffrey Chandler (Ashley) Pope, and a caring stepfather to Leigh Taylor and Laura Taylor (Keith) Holloway. Jimmy also doted on his and Carmen's grandchildren, Amaia Taylor Buruchaga, Austin Thomas Rader, Olivia Catherine Rader, Kathryn Elizabeth Pope, and Chandler Grace Pope. Whether watching his grandchildren's sporting events, playing a round of golf, bird hunting, cheering on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, making biscuits for the hospital and school board, or sharing his abundant wisdom, he found his purest delight in the people he loved most.

In addition to his previously mentioned family, Jimmy is survived by his sister, Patti Pope Roberts, and aunt, Joanne Chandler Hawkins. He was preceded in death by his father, Horace James Pope, his mother, Evelyn Chandler Pope, and his brother, Joe David Pope.

The family will receive friends at Almon Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 11th, from 5 to 7 pm. A celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, February 12th, at 11am at the First Methodist Church of Carrollton, with Reverend Travis Sneed presiding.

Interment at Carroll Memory Gardens will follow the service.

Pallbearers will include Larry Beam, Dr. David Griffin, David Howell, Dr. T. E. Reeve, III, Dr. Ronnie Williams, and Dr. Peter Worthy, while honorary pallbearers will consist of members from Carrollton Surgical Group, Carrollton City Schools Board of Education, and the Agape Sunday School Class.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Carrollton City Schools Education Foundation, Tanner Health Foundation, or the UWG Foundation.

Messages of condolence may be shared online at www.almonfuneralhome.com.

Dr. James "Jimmy" Pope's life was one of distinction, service, and an unwavering commitment to others. Whether in the operating room, a board meeting, or the company of his family and friends, he led with integrity, compassion, and steadfast determination. Jimmy's legacy will be felt for years to come, and his memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.