Ashtabula- James Leroy "Pops" Tripp, 79, of Ashtabula and formerly of Piqua, Ohio passed away peacefully on Monday, July 1, 2024 at the Lantern of Saybrook.

He was born on April 7, 1945 in Bad Axe, Michigan the son of Mark L. Tripp and Mary A. (Kinney) Green-Tripp.

James graduated from the Barryton High School. He received a bachelor's degree in Math from Central Michigan University, as well as his master's and doctoral degrees. He served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, where he was a Green Beret. James retired from the Social Security Administration after 45 years of service. He was presbyterian by faith. James was a long-time member of the Shriners and was also a clown, known as "Tripo," for many years and enjoyed making children smile. In addition, he was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, American Legion and the Moose Lodge.

Pops, as he was loving called by his family, is survived by his wife, Nancy (Brocklehurst) Weaver-Tripp; son, Thomas Tripp; sister, Judy Johnson; step-sons, Stephen (Tawny) Weaver, Mark (Jeannette) Weaver, and Barry Weaver; grandchildren, Nick Carusso, Stephanie Napolitano, Thomas Nagle, Markus, Michael, Mea and Maura Weaver, Carlye Weaver, Kyle Weaver, Kevin Zortich, Amber Schreck, and Ashlee Caruso; and several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Mark Tripp; mother, Mary Green-Tripp; step-father, Roland; brothers, Jerald, Joseph and John Gill; and his sister, Jill Newhall

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 2:00PM at Kelloggsville Cemetery, with Chaplain Heidi Cowey, officiating. Military honors will be observed.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.thompsonsmithnesbitt.com