James R. Hopkins, 82, of Montpelier passed away Saturday morning at Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center. He was born on September 10, 1933 in Montpelier to Clarence Ross and Muriel E. (Jackson) Hopkins. James attended Montpelier High School. James proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. On February 9, 1953 he married Jacqueline “Jackie” C. Dietrich in Montpelier and she survives.
In 1985 James retired from Norfolk and Southern Railroad as a switchman, he started on the Wabash Railroad soon after getting out of the service. James enjoyed working on woodworking and stained glass projects.
He is survived by his wife Jackie; two daughters, Karen (Karl) Trausch and Peggy Gibler all of Montpelier; four grandchildren, Kayla, Nia, Christopher and Kimberly; and four great grandchildren, Kalie, Madison, Jared and Jaelyn.
James was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Junior, William and Alton “Pete” Hopkins, two sisters Rose Carwan and Sara Kinsley and one half-sister Violet Motter.
There will be a private graveside service at Riverside Cemetery in Montpelier. The Montpelier Veterans will provide military rites. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.thethompsonfuneralhome.com.