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James A. Hopkins

James A. Hopkins

July 27, 1942 - October 22, 2026

James A. “Hoppy” Hopkins, 84, of Rushville, IL, passed away at 2:32 pm on Thursday, October 22, 2026 at Mount Sterling Health and Rehab Center in Mount Sterling, IL. He was born on July 27, 1942 in Bernadotte Township, Fulton County, IL, the son of Harold and Cora Bea (Lashbrook) Hopkins. Hoppy married Karen Gossage on August 18, 1961 in Rushville, IL.  She survives.

Also surviving are three daughters; Tangy (and Chuck) Stienacher of Modesto, IL, Dixie Hopkins of Ray, IL and Melinda Hopkins of Quincy, IL, one son; Allen Hopkins of Rushville, nine grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and two brothers; Fred Hopkins and Orson Dean Hopkins of Astoria, IL.

He was preceded in death by two brothers; Harold Eddie Hopkins and Gary Hopkins.

Hoppy and Karen celebrated 65 years of marriage and together they built the JK4 Ranch.   He loved horses and enjoyed trail rides, fun shows and sorting team events. He also enjoyed raising cattle and catfish, fishing and hunting.

He was a coal miner for AMAX Coal Company, working at the Sun Spot Mine in Vermont, Illinois for over 30 years.  Hoppy also worked for D and M Construction and was a heavy equipment operator.  Karen and Hoppy also owned and operated the Country Style Café in Rushville and the Rushville Sale Barn Café for a number of years.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 31st at 11:00 a.m. at JK4 Ranch, 17477 Richie Branch Road, Rushville, IL.  It will be a wiener roast and the family requests that you bring your lawn chairs.  Memorials in Hoppy’s memory may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association and may be sent to Shawgo Memorial Home, P.O. Box 525, Astoria, IL  61501.

Condolences

October 24th, 2026

So sorry to hear about Hoppy passing away. Our thoughts & prayers are with Karen & the family.

October 24th, 2026

So sorry to hear of Hoppys passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.

Nick & Missy Prather

October 24th, 2026

So sorry to hear prayers and blessings for the family

October 24th, 2026

So sorry to hear aboutHoppy.Sending loving prayers for you Karen.

October 24th, 2026

Karen so sorry for your loss! He was one of a kind when we came to the ranch he would take me horse back riding !

October 24th, 2026

Hoping that the comforting thoughts of friends and family will surround at this sad time, my thoughts are with you. Carol Dean

October 24th, 2026

So sorry to hear of Hoppy's passing. He will be greatly missed. I always enjoyed running into him out on a trail and getting to vist. My thoughts and prayers will be with you all.

Dean Southerd

October 25th, 2026

So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for all of you
All of us Taylor Families on Ray Road

October 25th, 2026

Sorry for your loss I'm sure Heaven is brighter with his smile

October 25th, 2026

Sorry for your loss. Tim & Vicki Phillips

October 25th, 2026

So sorry for your loss sending prayers hugs Randy and Regina Akin and Rachella Akin)Wilson

October 25th, 2026

Karen, sending many thoughts and prayers of sympathy for you and all of your family in your loss of Hoppy. May you find comfort now and in all the days ahead. Gary & Cheryl (Cox) Matteson

October 25th, 2026

So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Paul and Carol Stambaugh

October 26th, 2026

Karen, so sorry for your loss. Jim was indeed one of a kind and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Zane and Joanie Morrell

October 26th, 2026

Dixie, So sorry to hear about your Dad. My sympathy to you and your whole family.

Teresa Haines

October 27th, 2026

So sorry Karen and family . You are in my heart, my thoughts, and my prayers . ❤️

October 27th, 2026

Karen and family so sorry for your loss. Sending prayer you’re. way . Patty and Joe Prather

October 27th, 2026

The Howarters are so sad to hear of Hoppy’s passing .You all are in our thoughts and prayers

October 31st, 2026

Karen and family, so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Always loved to visit with you guys. Tommy and Pam Trone

October 31st, 2026

So sorry I couldn't make it to Jim's memorial. My thoughts are with you all. Susie Jones

November 1st, 2026

I well remember detassling with the Hopkin's crew as a 12 year old. That family was always up for anything fun. His Dad and my stepDad, Charley Sill were good friends and foxhunting buddies, and were stripmine partners briefly. I seem to recall that one of the boys had a caterpillar he used to clear off the mine site, up off of Ipava Rd. We started with everyone pitching in to dig a pit maybe 5 feet square and maybe 12-15 feet deep on the side of farmer's hill sloping down to Otter Creek? We exposed the top of the coal seam and then used a pick and a pry bar to see how thick the seam was. It was a really good spot with high grade coal. Hard work, you betcha, sometime very cold, always backbreaking. Anyway, I'm glad to see that the boys accomplished something with their lives. I'm sure anyone reading this has their own good memories