James "J.R." Richard Soop

James Richard “J.R.” Soop
White City, Florida
March 17th, 1941 – March 12th, 2017

“The Man of Many Hats”

James Richard “J.R.” Soop, loving called “Pat” by his Dutch mother and railroad working father, was born in 1941 on St. Patrick’s Day in New Jersey and died Sunday, March 12th in Fort Pierce, FL. Boldly braving life’s adventures, J.R. set out on his own from Clifton, New Jersey at age 17, staking his claim on life in White City, Florida. It was here in this quaint community that he wore many hats, representing many different things for so many people. Wearing his hard-hat as a Troubleman for Florida Power and Light he served his community for 31 years, retiring to begin his second career wearing his cowboy hat as a local cattleman. His love for his cows came from his mother who was raised on a dairy farm, which was later cultivated through to his children’s participation in FFA and 4-H livestock showing at the Saint Lucie County fair where he served with others as Livestock Coordinator for many years helping to guide his son James and daughter Kimberly along with the local youth participating in these programs. J.R. had a sort of grit but made everything fun with his humor. There are too many people to name that have stories to tell that knew him while he wore this hat.

A loyal Miami Dolphins fan, J.R. proudly wore his Dolphins hat…yes, even through the bad years, because he was loyal like that. He sported an IRSC softball cap while serving as “Dad” for the girls’ softball team for the last 16 years. He and his wife Dee hosted and supported the team as their cheerleaders, grill-master’s, and parents away from home. Again, there are too many people to name that have stories to tell that knew him while he wore this hat.

An avid horticulturalist, sporting his sombriolet sun hat, he would often be seen in his yard nurturing his orange trees, tomato and pineapple plants, grafting various plants or riding his mower. He lovingly tended his garden, while his trusty dog Duce was watching his every move. Duce, and others before her, like Rukis –T and Cooter-Man would have many stories to tell watching him wear this hat, if only they could speak.

J.R. was known for his full white beard which he wore proudly with his Santa hat and costume, along with his wife Dee as his trusty Elf. He proudly wore his red “hat” during the Christmas season at local schools and at the assisted living home where his mother resided.

Anyone who knew J.R. knew that his door was always open to them, for him to lend an ear, listening to their woes and their triumphs; he provided common sense advice that is almost extinct now, imprinting wisdom, lessons to be handed down to the next generation. Anyone crossing their threshold was sure to hear a story that would make them laugh from deep within. This Southern hospitality and guidance that J.R. showed and gave to others is why he was affectionately called the “Mayor of White City”.

He is survived by his soul-mate and love of his life, Dee Davis Soop, who has forever been his rock on solid ground. His son James Soop (Lisa) and daughter Kimberly Soop Olson (Ron) hold strongly to their memories of their father, having shared him with all of White City as he wore his many hats. J.R.’s grandchildren, Halla, Marlee, Walker, Blair and Morgaine will forever remember their Grandpa. He also is survived by his sisters, Ruth (Bob) and Joan.

There will never be another like J.R. Soop!

Services: Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 19, 2017 from 1:00 to 2:00PM at The Crossing Community Church, 5200 Oleander Avenue, Fort Pierce, Florida with a service to follow at 2:00PM