James A. Hopkins, 86, of Independence, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, October 13, 2015. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 24th at New Salem Funeral Home, Independence, MO. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.
Jim was born September 5, 1929 to Phillip and Nettie Hopkins of Troy, MO and graduated from Vandalia High School, Vandalia, MO. He served during the Korean War with the United States Army from 1951-1953. Jim married Carol J. Hammers of Vandalia on September 27, 1953 and moved to Liberty, MO, where he started his career in the insurance business. Later, the couple moved to Independence and started their family. Jim was a member of the Odd Fellow Lodge #115 of Oak Grove, MO. When Jim retired, he and his wife owned and operated a family business, and he worked as a general contractor and handyman for several years. Jim was an amazing husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered for his great sense of humor, strong hands, and ability to fix anything.
Jim is survived by his wife of 62 wonderful years, Carol Hopkins of the home; son, Steve P. Hopkins and daughter, Sharon A. Hopkins (Bottcher) both of Independence; three granddaughters/daughters: Jennifer, Amanda and Carolyn; ten great-grandchildren: Justina, Brittani, Andrew, Zackery, Austin, Harleon, Kevin, Carly, Timothy, and Jaxon.
Arrangements: Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home, Independence MO 816-796-8600