James Robert Hopkins Sr.

With a grieving heart, our father, James Robert Hopkins, Sr., 87, of El Paso, Texas, passed away on May 7, 2026.

He was born on February 2, 1939, in Muskegon, Michigan, and grew up in Fremont, Michigan. James was the youngest of three sons born to Russell A. and Marian A. Hopkins.

After graduating from high school, he chose the adventurous life of a 20-year military career in the United States Army. He traveled the world, served in the Korean War, Vietnam, and the Cold War, and continued his military profession as a civil service employee.

Beyond his careers, he was a devoted father, a man of wisdom, an example of dedication to his belief in family, and an example of integrity. He served in organizations such as the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars), volunteered at the El Paso Veterans Clinic, was a member of the Moose Lodge and the American Legion, and volunteered as a clown visiting veterans who needed to be cheered up.

James, also known as Dad and "Papa," is survived by his three children and their spouses, eight grandchildren and their spouses: Teresa G. Haverty (Joseph R. Haverty, Samantha J. Haverty, Sabrina K. Haverty); Cynthia A. Hopkins and Michael R. May (Jay Dee and Amada K. May, Dawn Marie and Jeremy L. Simpson, Vanessa N. May and Matthew J. Johnson); James R. and Nina Hopkins, Jr. (Christopher J. and Hermalinda Hopkins, Jennifer E. Kalberg); 15 great-grandchildren; nieces; and nephews.

James is preceded in death by Judith A., his wife of 24 years; his parents, Russell A. and Marian Hopkins; and his two older brothers.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Avenue, El Paso, Texas 79906.

Family, friends, and those who would like to join in the celebration of a United States Army veteran are invited to attend.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the hospital and to his two caregivers, Erica and Wayne, for their deepest compassion, their services, and their friendship.