James F. Hoppy" Hopkins

James F. Hopkins (“Hoppy”), 79, of Kimbolton passed away Saturday (January 11, 2020) at Cambridge Care and Rehabilitation Center.

He was born May 1, 1940 in Middletown and was the son of the late Howard and Velma (Willis) Hopkins.

Mr. Hopkins retired from Plumber’s and Pipefitters Local #495 with a total of 50 years of service.  Jim was well known and loved by many. He was very outgoing and always had a smile or corny joke to share. His home was always open to anyone who needed a place to go. If you ever visited King Pin Bowling Alley, you probably knew “Hoppy.” He was either working the counter, or bowling in a league, scoring one of his thirteen perfect 300 games.

Jim was a well rounded athlete all of his life. In high school he played basketball, football, and baseball. He continued with baseball, playing for the All-Navy team while in the service. He played and coached softball and was a bowler for many years. His favorite pastime was golfing, a sport he enjoyed his entire life. Playing pinochle with his brother Bob was a regular favorite activity, as well.  He was a 1959 graduate of Cambridge High School, and an avid OSU fan.  He was also a US Navy veteran.  He was a member of the Eagles #386 and Cambridge VFW #2901.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 34 years Linda (Swickard) Hopkins, whom he married July 10, 1981, and who passed away in 2015; a daughter Alicia Hopkins; three brothers, Richard, Chuck and infant Gordon; one sister Eleanor.

He is survived by four sons, James (Lori) Hopkins of Cambridge, Shawn (Amy) Hursey of Roseville, Rick Hopkins of Pleasant City , and Larry (Carrie Ditto) Hopkins of the home; two daughters, Gwendi (Mack Bentley) Hopkins of Kimbolton and Elizabeth “Betsy” Hopkins of Milwaukee; one brother Bob (Eleanor) Hopkins of Cambridge; two sisters, Dottie Selock of Cambridge, and Judy (John) Henkle of Mt. Vernon; fifteen grandchildren,  Amanda, Grace, Cory, Shelby, Mason, Zakk, Jordan, Brennan, Taylor, Alauna, R.J., Arianna, Mady, Kierra, and special grandson Tristen; nine great grandchildren,  Bradon, Ashtyn, Tevin, Greyson, Scarlette, R.J., Sidney, Jaxsen, Rylee; several nieces and nephews; special friends,  Ron and Cindy Hickman, Ray (Jackie)  Durben, and Elizabeth “Beth” Casper-Rolfs.

A special thank you to the Cambridge Care and Rehabilitation Center staff for their excellent care and compassion.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday (January 18, 2020) from 4-7 p.m., in the small auditorium, at Stop Nine Church of Christ, 60330 Southgate Road, Byesville, OH, with a veteran’s service at 5:00 p.m., followed by a time of sharing.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Jim’s favorite charity.

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