James Michael "Mike" Pope

James Michael (Mike) Pope 75, of Cane Rive Lake, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 7, 2025 after being a hero donor at Rapides General Hospital. Even in death, Mike wanted to help by giving of himself in hopes his organs could give someone a better quality of life. Mike was like that.

Mike was born in Somerset, KY on May 10, 1950 to William “Bill” Pope and Tommie Jean Smith Pope. He was preceded in death by his parents, Phyllis Jackson Pope, his first love and wife of 42 years, his sister Betty Pope Stevens, and his 2 brothers Pat Pope and Kevin Pope. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol Pope, deeply loved siblings Dennis Pope(Patricia), Marilyn Aillet(Chip), Robert Pope(Ericka), beloved children Kristen Pope, James Michael Pope, Jr.(Candice), grandchildren James Michael III, Alana Pope, Emily Pope, Kyleigh Pope, Cane Cointment, Kennedy Cointment, many nieces and nephews, and two special nieces he chose to raise as own after their father (Mike’s brother) passed, Karley Pope Meche(Josh) and Katarina Pope.

Many may remember Mike as a heavy equipment operator and a cross country trucker for 25 years before moving to Cane River. After the move he began hauling soybeans and corn for local farmers, Patrick and Charlie Churchman, the Methvins, Doug Nichols and worked with old time friend Reggie, Chop, Chop. You Chop and I haul.

But he was much more than that. He valued friendships and especially those who took time to listen to him after his strokes. Minnie Metoyer, who was always available for the many ER visits and hospital stays, cooking up his favorite meals, just lending and ear and her husband, Peter Metoyer always asking what Mike needed, Nick and Earline Mirza(deceased), Delores and Victor Jones, Patrick and Charlie Churchman, and so many in the Cane River Community who rallied around Mike as he struggled to navigate life after his strokes and death of Phyllis.

The most important thing in Mikes life became his relationship with Jesus Christ. Mike worshiped at the Oasis of Love Fellowship in Natchitoches and started his Journey of understanding Biblical truths under Pastor David Allen(deceased), Pastor Frances Allen, Pastor Jeri Allen, and brothers in Christ; Gary Robertson and Eddie Conlay. We are Eternally Grateful for this Love.

Special thanks to the wonderful nurses in the ICU at Cabrini Hospital and Rapides General as they treated Mike with tender care and dignity. We watched as they treated him as if he was their family. We can’t remember their names, but we saw their hearts. The strokes affected his ability to walk well and speak as he once did, but his love for his friends and family never diminished. Mike, you can now rest in peace and you are healed! You are so missed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to their church, Oasis of Love, Natchitoches, in his memory or a “GoFundMe” to help out Carol as she will be relocating from Mike’s home he built.  Copy and paste the URL into your browser to contribute.  https://gofund.me/8d71d7ec3