Martin “Marty” James Joppa was born in Wichita, Kansas, to Jacob and Dolores Joppa (Moeller) on January 29, 1953. He joined his family as the younger brother of his 15-month-old sister, Carolyn.
Marty was released from this life and from fast-growing pancreatic cancer on September 20, 2026, surrounded by loved ones and friends. He was ready to meet his Creator and passed peacefully and comfortably.
Marty was an accomplished door and window salesman who became the millwork manager of a prominent door and window company in Omaha, Nebraska. He enjoyed accurately measuring, solving problems, talking with customers, and building lasting relationships during more than 20 years in the industry.
In 2014, Marty retired to care for his aging father on Bull Shoals Lake in north-central Arkansas. He became deeply interested in natural medicine, researching ways to improve health and sharing what he learned with anyone willing to hear his enthusiastic “spiel.” He was grateful whenever others benefited from the knowledge he shared.
Marty loved to read and study, especially the Torah and the Scriptures. He sought to understand Yahweh’s Word and live according to it. As a strong follower of Torah, he believed deeply in keeping Yahweh’s commandments and honoring the appointed feasts of Elohim. He spent many hours teaching and studying Scripture with people around the world, including participating in late-night Bible studies with people in Pakistan and Africa.
Generous to a fault, Marty was always willing to help. At 6’9”, he made a memorable first impression, but beneath his imposing height and passionate nature was a man with a very big heart. He loved people, rarely met a stranger, and could begin a conversation anywhere—from a restaurant or store to a waiting room. Wherever he went, he was often thinking about how he could share Yahweh’s Word with others.
Marty also loved fishing for bass. After moving to Arkansas, however, his attention increasingly turned from fish to becoming a “fisher of men.” He found purpose in helping, teaching, and encouraging others.
Marty was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Dolores Joppa.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Kimberely J. Joppa of Yellville, Arkansas; his sister, Carolyn (Ed) Conrath of Bellevue, Nebraska; nieces Andrea Conrath of Houston, Texas, and Christie Rigilano (John Paul) of Hanover, Pennsylvania; great-nephews Charlie and Teddy Rigilano; other cousins, nieces and nephews; and countless friends whose lives he touched.
Marty will be remembered for his strong faith, generous spirit, love of fishing, gift for conversation, and willingness to help others. He leaves behind his family and many friends who loved him, as well as people around the world who were blessed to know him. He was at peace and ready to go home to Yahweh.
A memorial service for Marty will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1195 Hwy 62 West, Yellville, Arkansas 72687.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Marty’s memory to the Humane Society of Marion County for the Dolores J. Joppa Dog Shelter at P.O. Box 1373 Yellville, AR 72687 or to the Pine Mountain Volunteer Fire Department (PMVFD), 10 MC 8004, Yellville, AR 72687.
