James Pope, 74, Ex. State Dept. Info Official Dies

Jet, June 11, 2001

When he was unable to get a newspaper job after he received a master's degree from Boston University, James Pope landed a spot with the State Department as a communications specialist in Washington, D.C.

Starting as a cub reporter on the U.S. Information Agency's (USIA) wireless file, he covered U.S. political events for global distribution. Pope progressed there to deputy chief of the African branch, and public affairs advisor. He later became deputy public affairs director of the U. S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency.

After more than 40 years of service, he retired at age 65 as director of the USIA Foreign Press Center.

When he died recently at the age of 74 after he suffered a massive heart attack, Pope was recalled as one of the best-known Black foreign service aides in the State Department.

"As I look back over the years," he once said, "I have every reason to be pleased with my choice of a career. The years and agency have been good to me, and it has been unbelievably exciting, eventful, and rewarding."

Born in Sharon, PA, he attended Ohio Wesleyan University and Boston University where he earned a master's. He served in the Army before joining government service.

He is survived by his wife, Cora, and two sons, Michael and Anthony, and six grand children. His burial was at Arlington National Cemetery.