James A. “Hoppy” Hopkins, 84, of Rushville died at 2:32 p.m. Oct. 22, 2026, at Mount Sterling Health and Rehab Center in Mount Sterling.James A. “Hoppy” Hopkins, 84, of Rushville died at 2:32 p.m. Oct. 22, 2026, at Mount Sterling Health and Rehab Center in Mount Sterling.
He was born July 27, 1942, in Bernadotte Township, Fulton County, a son of Harold and Cora Bea Lashbrook Hopkins. He married Karen Gossage on Aug. 18, 1961, in Rushville. She survives.
Also surviving are three daughters, Tangy (and Chuck) Stienacher of Modesto, Dixie Hopkins of Ray and Melinda Hopkins of Quincy; one son, Allen Hopkins of Rushville; two brothers, Fred Hopkins and Orson Dean Hopkins of Astoria; nine grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
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 JK4 Ranch. He loved horses and enjoyed trail rides, fun shows and sorting team events.
He was a coal miner for AMAX Coal Company, working at the Sun Spot Mine in Vermont for over 30 years. He 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, Oct. 31, at 11 a.m. at JK4 Ranch, 17477 Richie Branch Road, Rushville. It will be a wiener roast and the family requests that you bring your lawn chairs.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and may be sent to Shawgo Memorial Home, PO Box 525, Astoria, IL 61501.
Condolences may be sent to shawgomemorialhome.com.
Current Obituaries in the Astoria South Fulton Argus