James Hopkins
James S. “Jim” Hopkins, 72, of San Antonio, Texas passed away unexpectedly Tuesday morning, January 10, 2023 at his son’s residence in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was born November 21, 1950 in San Antonio, Texas to the late Moody S. Hopkins and Genevieve (Donald) Hopkins. Jim was united in marriage to Miriam Gandolfo on June 15, 1974 at Bellmont Evangelical Church in Chicago, Illinois and she survives.
Jim was a member of Watershed Church in San Antonio, Texas as well as a past member of Decatur Grace Fellowship in Decatur, Indiana.
He was a 1969 graduate of Bluffton High School in Bluffton, Indiana and a 1973 graduate of Taylor University in Upland, Indiana.
Jim was retired (multiple times, actually) longtime sports editor/writer for the Decatur Daily Democrat beginning in 1974.
Jim’s love for sports began in his San Antonio neighborhood on Maplewood Ln and his love of writing came later when he attended Taylor University and tried his hand at sportswriter for the Echo, the school’s newspaper.
During his career, he had the privilege of doing the two things he enjoyed most: attending high school sporting events, every sport both girls and boys, and writing about them including those of his own children. He came to especially love covering high school wrestling, receiving the Indiana High School Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame Media Award in 1990.
Over the years, Jim was involved in Decatur Little League as dad, coach, and league president. He was also instrumental in the establishment of the Decatur Youth Football League.
In retirement Jim enjoyed traveling with his wife, trying to grow tomatoes in the Texas heat, encouraging three very special Purdue students, and watching his granddaughters’ dance recitals, soccer games, gymnastics and cross country meets.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Miriam Hopkins of San Antonio, Texas; daughter, Cara (Tim) O’Halloran of Santa Cruz, California; two sons, Benjamin (Victoria) Hopkins of Zionsville, Indiana and Nathaniel Hopkins of Indianapolis, Indiana; three granddaughters, Kaitlyn, Elliana, and Gabriella Hopkins of Zionsville, Indiana; sister, Laura (Danny) Dunson of Gardendale, Alabama; brother-in-law, Fred Comer of Apopka, Florida; sister-in-law, Loretta (Michael) Ingham of Greenville, South Carolina; 94 year old uncle, Dor Hopkins of Kingsland, Texas; nieces, nephews and many more extended family members.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joie Comer; and brother-in-law, John Gandolfo
Funeral Service for Jim will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 21st, 2023, at Decatur Grace Fellowship, 316 N Seventh St. in Decatur with Pastor Dan York officiating.