william renwick in his biography wrote, "all references to james henry pope mention his modesty, the breadth of his sympathies, the range of his interests and his considerable talents. he was, reweti tuhorouta kohere wrote, 'of a lovable nature and so perfectly transparent that he won your respect and confidence on your first meeting.' he was also one among a handful of men who shaped the direction of public education in this country and left a valued personal stamp on its ethos".