James A. “Jim” Hopkins, 66, of Burlington, died Monday, Oct. 26, 2009, at the Great River Medical Center in West Burlington.
Born February 15, 1943, in Keokuk, he was the son of Leo and Lucille Tigue Hopkins. On May 6, 1974, he married Laura Kerns in Amarillo, Texas.
Jim started his career as a tech writer at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant and then was the computer systems analyst for the big three auto manufacturers in Detroit.
He was a 1961 graduate of Cardinal Stritch High School in Keokuk. He was a 1967 graduate of Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo.
He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving during the Vietnam War where he worked with heavy artillery.
He was a member of Ss. John & Paul Catholic Church in Burlington where he was very active with the Christian Experience Weekend (CEW). He was an Eagle Scout and belonged to the Order of the Arrow. He was an Iowa Hawkeyes fan, enjoyed hunting, playing chess, writing and marathon running.
Survivors include his wife, Laura; two sons, Mark (Stacy) Hopkins of Farmington Hills, Mich., Brian (Tammy) Hopkins of West Burlington; four grandchildren, Ashley, Tyson, ShayLeigh, Emersyn; three brothers, Bob Hopkins of Missouri, Richard Hopkins of Texas, and Mike Hopkins of Iowa; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
As per the request of Mr. Hopkins, cremation has been accorded.
The family will receive friends from noon until 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.
The Memorial Mass of the Resurrection for Mr. Hopkins will be 2 p.m.Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Father Bruce DeRammelaere as the celebrant. Music will be provided by the Des Moines County Resurrection Choir. Full military honors will be rendered by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard at the church. Inurnment will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for CEW Family Keokuk Deanery and Ss. John & Paul Catholic Church.
The Hass-Thielen Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.
Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Jim’s obituary at www.hassthielen.com.
