AVA - Jim R. Popejoy, 78, of Ava, passed away at 6:10 am Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at his home. Jim was born in Ava on April 11, 1934 the son of William S. and Ada Jane Smith Popejoy. He married Ruby Compton on June 29, 1957 in Lordsburg, New Mexico. he was a retired welder foreman on ICG Railroad. Jim was a veteran of the US Army having serviced from 1955 to 1957. He was a member of the Mt. Carbon First Church of God in Murphysboro. He was formerly assistant Boy Scout Master of Troop #115 of Murphysboro. Jim is survived by his wife, Ruby Popejoy of Ava; children, Charlotte Ann Jimenez of Murphysboro, Jim "Buck" (Emma) Popejoy of Ava, Robert (Candy) Popejoy of Murphysboro, Mark (Cindy) Popejoy of Carbondale, Randy Popejoy of Carbondale, Sherry Popejoy of Murphysboro, Stephanie (Jeff) Oliver of Vergennes, and Jenny (Jesse) Phillips of Murphysboro; 28 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; sisters, Mary Jane Guy of Ava, Wilma Cross of Ava, Vera Cross of Ava, Betty Klein of Chester, Barbara Sue Young of Edwardsville, IL, and Donna Waters of Barnett, MO. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Barbara Hubbler; one brother, William "Nick" Popejoy; and two sisters, Betty Sue Wallace and Salle Sarenson. Funeral service will be held at 7:00 pm, Thursday, June 28, 2012 at the Wilson's Funeral Home in Ava, with Rev. Richard Pyatt officiating. Visitation will be at Wilson's Funeral Home in Ava where friends may call from 5 to 7 pm Thursday. Memorials may be given to Hospice of Southern Illinois.