Former Bethany Beach Mayor dies.

BETHANY BEACH MAYOR DIES

James C. Popham, age 49, former mayor of Bethany Beach died Monday, May 7, 1967, at his place of business, the Holiday House restaurant.

Mr. Popham was born in Culpeper, Virginia and was a Sussex countyvisitor since 1938 when he was a student at the University of Virginia. He continued visit the shore while employed in

Washington, D.C. with the U.S. Rubber Company into the late 1940's.

He opened his retaruant and as a property owner ran for a seat on the Town Commission,

winning the seat after which he moved his permanent residence to Bethany Beach. In 1960 he became mayor and during his adminstration Bethany Beach was hit by the worst storm in history. The ocean

front had to be totally rebuilt.

James Popham was a WWII Veteran, a major in the Army Reserves, he is a past president of

the Southeastern Sussex Democrat Club, a member of the State Planning Commission, president of

Commerce Corner, Inc., member of VFW Post 7234, Mason Dixon Post of Ocean View, and All

Saints Episcopal Church in Rehoboth.

A bachelor, he is survived by his mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Popham of Rock Point, Maryland

and two brothers, Frank of Washington, D. C., and Russell of Rock Point.

Funeral services were at Watson Grey Melson Funeral Home, Frankford, with interment at the

convenience of the family.

Wilmington Morning News, May 8 1967.