James Hopkins

James Robert Hopkins "Hop," 65, died January 7, 2022, at Northern Light Health of renal failure. He was born September 17, 1956, to James and Bettielou Hopkins of Hampden. He attended Hampden schools and resided in Hampden until 2005, when he moved to Newburgh with his wife, Sue.

James was a standout basketball player at H.A., and continued to play throughout his adult years in area men's leagues. He also enjoyed coaching his children and attending their sporting events.

Jim worked in the industrial valve industry his entire career. He started a branch of Team Inc. in Bangor in the mid-80's (online leak repairs) with Sue as the office manager. Jim was recognized as a notable manager and leader in the valve repair industry. He spent the next 20 years as a regional manager with Emerson Process Management and was looking forward to retiring in January 2022. He had an impact on all that he worked with. Longtime friends and colleagues of Jim's said, "I was blessed to be able to work with this great man for ten years. He was a mentor. He was the consummate professional, would call it like it was to whomever and was a great friend to me." Another colleague "He was a big influence on me and who I became. He was my mentor, friend, and so much more than can be said. He took the ball at Team and just ran with it. Never showing any fear or doubt. We learned a lot about each other and had a friendship few people will ever experience."

Jim was an avid outdoors-man. On weekends, he could often be found hunting, fishing, four wheeling, boating or snowmobiling. Adventures (or misadventures) were plentiful as evidenced by the numerous stories his friends and families have shared.

In the past few years, Jim and Sue found their happy place on Madagascal Pond. He was known for organizing boating parades, card games and other social activities for the Madagascal Pond campers. He developed special friendships with numerous camp owners around the pond.

Jim had a vibrant personality and was known for his quick wit and sarcasm. He loved sharing stories with his Dysarts coffee crew, his family, friends, and coworkers. We would apologize to anyone on the receiving end of his jokes, but he wouldn't want us to do that!

But above all, his favorite time was spent with his 5 grandchildren that he loved with all his heart.
Surviving are his wife of 44 years, Sue, of Newburgh; his mother, Bettielou of NH; sister, Maddy (Wayne) Hathaway of Epping, NH; daughter, Jessica (B.L.) Lippert of Augusta; son, Jeremy (Mandy) Hopkins of Concord, NH; son, Troy (Jennifer) Hopkins of Newburgh; and his grandchildren, Case and Lincoln Lippert, Hadley Hopkins, and Alexandra and Lena Hopkins.

Visiting hours will be held Friday, January 14, at Brookings Smith Chapel in Hampden from 4-7 p.m. The family requests that donations in Jim's memory be directed to New England Donor Services, 60 First Avenue, Waltham, MA 02451.

In true Jim fashion, he told his children and grandchildren that he wanted a Viking funeral, which the family plans for later Summer 2022 at Madagascal Pond.