James Popp of Davidsonville was an avid car collector, among many other activities. He was known for his collection of Edsels that were built in 1958-60.
I missed his obituary of nine months ago because there is no mention of Davidsonville in it.
There is a link at the end of the obituary which is to a long Washington Times article about Jim and his cars.
There is a link at the end of the obituary which is to a long Washington Times article about Jim and his cars.
Jim peacefully passed away from complications of dementia on December 5, 2016 with his wife Carolyn at his side. Jim was born in Windber, PA on October 2, 1940.
He was the oldest of three sons. He graduated from St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA with a degree in Mathematics. He moved to the DC area to work for the Department of Defense upon graduation in 1962. Jim continued his education and obtained advanced degrees from Catholic University in Electrical Engineering and Mathematics. Jim had many hobbies and for several years he and his wife, Carolyn were avid golfers. Jim had the rare accomplishment of having achieved two Hole-In-Ones. Jim played the piano, organ and violin, collected stamps, playing bridge, enjoyed reading books and magazines related to physics, outer space and he liked Tom Clancey novels. Jim always had a love of automobiles and for several years competed in National Road Rallys and autocross activities. He also raced an Austin Healey Sprite at such race tracks as Marlboro, Watkins Glen and Summit Point. In the late 1980's, his love of cars took him in the direction of antique cars and he began to restore and collect Ford products. He especially had a love for the Edsel automobiles and he became an expert about the cars and their history. He was often called upon to be Chief Judge for car show events since he had a detailed knowledge of authenticity and judging procedures. He and his wife, Carolyn, joined several car clubs and attended many car club national meets every year. They were very active in several national car clubs including the Edsel Owners Club, International Edsel Club, Lincoln and Continental Owners Club, the Antique Automobile Club of America and the Classic Car Club. Jim was also active for several years in local car clubs (Street Cars of Desire and Asphalt Angels of Maryland). Due to Jim's attention to detail and his desire for perfection, his cars won top honors at national events and prestigious and invitation only car shows like Ameila Island Concourse and other Concourse and charity events held around the country. Over the time span of several years, Jim built a unique collection of Ford Automobiles including fully restored cars, and several very low mileage original cars. Jim also established the "Shrine of the Holy Grill" 501(c)(3) charity to raise money for local children's charities.
In addition to his wife, Carolyn, Jim is survived by one brother, Ronald Popp, his wife Joan and their three sons, a niece, Robin Rose and her husband Mark and their five children and a nephew, Michael Popp and his wife Tamara and their son.
The Robert Evans Funeral Home in Bowie, MD will be handling the arrangements. Viewing will be held on Friday, December 9, 2016, from 2pm-4pm and 6pm until 8pm. The burial will be private. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Salvation Army and Toys for Tots to help the less fortunate during the holiday season.
To read about Jim and his car collecting, go to the following article:
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