James Allen Popelka, 77, of Belle Plaine, passed away Tuesday, January 19, 2016. Services will be 10:30 am, Saturday, January 23, 2016 at Hrabak Funeral Home in Belle Plaine with Bonnie Koeppen officiating. Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery, Belle Plaine. Visitation will be 4 -7 pm, Friday, January 22, 2016 at Hrabak Funeral Home. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.hrabakfuneralhome.com James Allen Popelka was born in Chelsea, Iowa on September 20, 1938; the son of Helen and Joe Popelka. He graduated from Belle Plaine High School in 1955 at the age of 16. He worked for the Iowa DOT. He then worked for Collins Radio. Jim married the love of his life, Doris Shafer, on January 30, 1960. They welcomed daughter Renee that same year. He moved his family to Livermore, CA in 1961. He worked at the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory there until 1972. At that time they moved back to Belle Plaine, Iowa and bought The Office tavern. He operated that until 1977. He then did wood working. He also worked for the telephone company. His last employment was with the US postal service as a rural mail carrier. He enjoyed life to the fullest. He never knew a stranger. He was full of life and energy. He enjoyed traveling and making new friends along the way. Jim always had a smile and a kind word for people. He loved his music, and enjoyed playing the spoons, and accordion. He loved to laugh and was very quick witted with a joke or a story. He is survived by his daughter, Renee (Rick) Jahlas of Belle Plaine; grandsons, Nick (Jacie) Gunderson of Watkins, Dawson Jahlas of Center Point; sister, Joann Croft of Belle Plaine; brother, Melvin (Pat) Popelka of Ames; great-grandchildren, Brock and Daena Gunderson, in addition to many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris; grandson, Kyle; brother, Roland; sister, Gertude and his parents Helen and Joe Popelka. He will be deeply missed by all of his family and friends.