James Peter Hopkins

May 21, 1959
June 20, 2025

James Peter Hopkins
May 21st, 1959 – June 2oth, 2025

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow
weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31

 

It is hard to forget someone who gave us so much to remember
Jim peacefully went to Heaven on June 20, 2025.

Jim was born to Evelyn and the late Walter Hopkins on May 21,
1959 in North Hampton, MA. Jim grew up in Stoneridge, NY,
with his two sisters, Beth and Becky.

Jim graduated from Cornell University in 1980 with his B.S. in
Mechanical Engineering. After college, he moved to California
to work for Northrop Corporation in El Segundo. He would later
work at Research Optical in New Hampshire, Pacific Optical in
California, Zygo Corporation in Connecticut, and Coherent
Aerospace & Defense in California.

Jim was a strong Christian and was devoted to sharing God’s
love with others. In his younger years he attended Grace
Community Church in New York. Throughout his life, he
attended and served at many churches. He participated in
countless events, bible studies, and ministries. Through the
years, he was a pastor, worship leader, and small group leader.
But he was most passionate about youth ministry; he felt it to be
so important and often overlooked. His love for people was
evident through his commitment to support and fondly
acknowledge everyone. He consistently went above and beyond,
all in the name of Jesus.

He met his wife, Rose Bender Hopkins during a wedding of
mutual friends. He was the only single man, so he took turns
dancing with her and her three friends. Jim and Rose spent the
rest of the evening talking. After several later encounters Jim
and Rose became inseparable. They celebrated 39 years of
marriage on April 20, 2025. Together, they helped plant
churches in California, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. Jim
faithfully cared for his wife while she struggled with many
health issues. His love and commitment to Rose was shown
most when she became paralyzed/paraparetic. While in several
medical facilities, Jim stayed by Rose’s side. When Rose
returned home, Jim pulled a chair next to her hospital bed to
make sure she was never alone.

Jim and Rose had two children, Taylor and Danielle. Jim was an
incredible father. He lovingly provided for them his whole life.
He played many roles for his children; everything from a soccer
coach to a patron of performing and visual arts. Jim attended
every performance throughout their school years, as well as their
college careers. Above all, the best thing he did for his children
was share his love for God and his faith in Him.

Jim and his family loved traveling. One of his best memories
was sitting at a juice stand in Aruba with Rose and watching the
ocean.

Jim’s favorite place to vacation was York Beach, ME. The
tradition started many years earlier with his father as a young
boy. Jim grew up visiting York Beach, and then went on to bring
his own children, as well as countless friends and family
members. He loved candlepin bowling, rock climbing at Nubble
Lighthouse, Goldenrod’s salt water taffy, and building sand
castles and protecting them until the tide wiped them out. He
even maintained a Hopkins tradition of taking a “morning dip”
in the cold Atlantic Ocean.

Jim was a lover of sports, especially University of Michigan and
Miami Dolphins football. He would often wake up early to
watch International soccer matches. He himself was a top soccer
player in high school.

He was exceptionally musically gifted. He played the trumpet
and guitar, and he also had a beautiful singing voice.

Penguins were Jim’s favorite animal. He was ecstatic when he
had the chance to pet a penguin and see several others up close
at SeaWorld.

Jim loved watching and quoting movies. He especially loved
watching movies in the theater so he could eat his favorite:
Popcorn!

Along with popcorn, Jim adored many different sweets. He
always had a hidden stash of Mike & Ikes, Hot Tamales, 100
Grand bars, and jelly beans.

Jim will never be forgotten. Every person who knew him was
touched by his kindness, wisdom, enthusiasm, and genuine love.
His legacy will continue through Rose, his children, and the
many people Jim shared his faith and salvation with.

No more pain, no more suffering, no more tears. Jim met God,
his creator. When he was in the presence of God, He said to him,
“Well done, good and faithful servant”.

A Celebration of Life is planned for late September. More
details to follow.

Tribute Wall

Victoria Bender Rutherford
My deepest sympathy goes out to my sweet cousin Rose and her children in the loss of her husband & their father. I have very fond memories growing up with Rose, who not only was my double 1st Cousin, but one of my Best Friends from Babies thru High School. I remember when her and Jim were married and lived in same Apt Building as my parents before moving back East. I also remember her & Jims excitement when they had their son and daughter. I hope that the memories they had as a family will bring some comfort to them during these difficult days & months ahead. May Jim finally find peace, with no more pain, knowing that his life was well lived. Sending my love to Rose and her family. ❤️❤️❤️
July 2 / 2025
Edward Kramer
I’m only allowed to type 8 MB of text here, so I won’t have the space to write all the things I want to say about my very best friend and beloved brother. At the very first church service I attended following my decision for Jesus, Jim greeted me at the door. We’ve been inseparable from that moment, and praise God, through eternity. There has never been a more loving, kind, generous, and devoted friend and family man. His extreme love for Rose and his kids was evident in every little (and big) thing he did for them. He and I would meet constantly to chat and solve the problems of the world. I will cherish every conversation we had, even when he wouldn’t let me get a word in edgewise or when he’d go off on a meandering rabbit trail. I love Jim and always will. My heart is both broken, but joy-filled. To Rose and Dani and Taylor, my love for each of you and my daily prayers will never cease.
July 2 / 2025
Paul and Jessilyn Carver
We are sorry Rosa, Taylor, Danielle. But we all know that Jim is dancing on the streets that are golden. 40 years ago June 29th Jim officiated our wedding.
July 5 / 2025
Steve Hopkins
My visits with my cousin Jim over the years have been few and far between but when we did meet up there was always humor, laughter and intelligent conversation. If there was any kind of serious issue going on he always showed compassion and shared from his abundance of wisdom. Last time we met was at York Beach, Maine, for a family reunion. Jim and I met every morning for a morning dip in the cold North Atlantic. His mother, Evie, joined us a couple of times (she is amazing). You left us too soon Jim but we will meet again in a better place and we'll have plenty of time for some conversation and some "heavenly dips" in God's eternal sea. Rest in peace.
July 9 / 2025
Keith J.
In 2024 I got a chance to golf with Jim many times introducing him to some of the courses in the Temecula area. Jim always made us stop on a tee box and pray. He said it was a tradition passed down to him. He was in the cubical next to me at Coherent and we shared many late afternoon theological discussions. Jim was a great friend and encouraged me to be more like Christ. I will be forever thankful for the short time I had getting to know him. My life is much richer because I my time spent with Jim.
July 15 / 2025
Paul Stupik
It was a privilege to have known Jim for many years both in Connecticut, and when we found ourselves planted on the West Coast. So many wonderful aspects including faith filled discussions, work ethic, and good humor. My condolences to your whole family. I will keep you in my prayers. Oh let's not forget about his golf game.
August 4 / 2025

Tribute Wall

The obituary has no messages

Tribute Wall

Victoria Bender Rutherford
My deepest sympathy goes out to my sweet cousin Rose and her children in the loss of her husband & their father. I have very fond memories growing up with Rose, who not only was my double 1st Cousin, but one of my Best Friends from Babies thru High School. I remember when her and Jim were married and lived in same Apt Building as my parents before moving back East. I also remember her & Jims excitement when they had their son and daughter. I hope that the memories they had as a family will bring some comfort to them during these difficult days & months ahead. May Jim finally find peace, with no more pain, knowing that his life was well lived. Sending my love to Rose and her family. ❤️❤️❤️
July 2 / 2025
Edward Kramer
I’m only allowed to type 8 MB of text here, so I won’t have the space to write all the things I want to say about my very best friend and beloved brother. At the very first church service I attended following my decision for Jesus, Jim greeted me at the door. We’ve been inseparable from that moment, and praise God, through eternity. There has never been a more loving, kind, generous, and devoted friend and family man. His extreme love for Rose and his kids was evident in every little (and big) thing he did for them. He and I would meet constantly to chat and solve the problems of the world. I will cherish every conversation we had, even when he wouldn’t let me get a word in edgewise or when he’d go off on a meandering rabbit trail. I love Jim and always will. My heart is both broken, but joy-filled. To Rose and Dani and Taylor, my love for each of you and my daily prayers will never cease.
July 2 / 2025
Paul and Jessilyn Carver
We are sorry Rosa, Taylor, Danielle. But we all know that Jim is dancing on the streets that are golden. 40 years ago June 29th Jim officiated our wedding.
July 5 / 2025
Steve Hopkins
My visits with my cousin Jim over the years have been few and far between but when we did meet up there was always humor, laughter and intelligent conversation. If there was any kind of serious issue going on he always showed compassion and shared from his abundance of wisdom. Last time we met was at York Beach, Maine, for a family reunion. Jim and I met every morning for a morning dip in the cold North Atlantic. His mother, Evie, joined us a couple of times (she is amazing). You left us too soon Jim but we will meet again in a better place and we'll have plenty of time for some conversation and some "heavenly dips" in God's eternal sea. Rest in peace.
July 9 / 2025
Keith J.
In 2024 I got a chance to golf with Jim many times introducing him to some of the courses in the Temecula area. Jim always made us stop on a tee box and pray. He said it was a tradition passed down to him. He was in the cubical next to me at Coherent and we shared many late afternoon theological discussions. Jim was a great friend and encouraged me to be more like Christ. I will be forever thankful for the short time I had getting to know him. My life is much richer because I my time spent with Jim.
July 15 / 2025
Paul Stupik
It was a privilege to have known Jim for many years both in Connecticut, and when we found ourselves planted on the West Coast. So many wonderful aspects including faith filled discussions, work ethic, and good humor. My condolences to your whole family. I will keep you in my prayers. Oh let's not forget about his golf game.
August 4 / 2025