James Updyke (Pop Pop, Jimmy baby doll) age 80, earned his angel wings on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, after a long courageous battle.

James was born in Wilmington, DE, son of the late Leslie M. Updyke and Dorothy Grahl-Updyke. James served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1960-1964. Upon graduating from Conrad High School, he worked for UPS, Hercules Inc, Riverside Hospital and Christiana Hospital where he retired from in 2005.

James is a lifetime member of Five Points Fire company where he started in April of 1958. James moved to Millcreek Fire Department and became fire police and bartended many events for them. James enjoyed Nascar, playing slots at Delaware park, being with his family and having coffee with his friends at Dunkin Doughnuts which he commonly referred to as the office.

James is survived by his daughters: Patricia Jenkins and her husband Richard, Megan Updyke and her boyfriend, Joe Olivero and Victoria Feehly; sister, Patricia Updyke-Anderson; brother, Richard B. Updyke; 5 grandchildren: Scott Jenkins, Kelsey Jenkins-Sparks and her husband, Tyler, Avery Reyburn, Dylan Updyke and Alexis Feehly. James is also survived by his very close companion Gloria Roark and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 AM on Thursday, July 28, 2022, at R.T. Foard Funeral Home, 122 W. Main St., Newark, DE 19711, where family and friends may begin visiting at 10:00AM. Burial will follow at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery. To send online condolences, please visit www.rtfoard.com.