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 4K 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 31^st at 11:00 a.m. at 4K 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.