James "Jim" Hopkins

James “Jim” L. Hopkins Sr. passed away peacefully at home while in the company of his sons Tuesday morning November 4th. He died at the age of 87 after a long struggle with kidney disease. Jim was born in Topeka, Kansas in February 1938, to William and Mildred Hopkins, the 5th of five children. He remained a resident of Topeka his entire life and graduated from Topeka High School. Jim married the love of his life, Sarah Irene Adams in August of 1961. They had three sons and enjoyed 57 years of marriage until Irene’s passing in 2018. Jim served our country honorably in the Kansas National Guard. He worked at General Printing and Paper for decades making many lifelong friends. In his early 20’s Jim became a firefighter for the City of Topeka, completing a 30-year career. Jim was a proud dues paying member of the International Association of Firefighters and served as union treasurer and Statehouse lobbyist. He enjoyed the ongoing camaraderie, attending retirees’ coffee until a few weeks ago. Working two to three jobs in his adult life to support his family, Jim also managed to attend nearly all of his sons’ sporting and school events and later for his grandchildren. He served on the PTA, helped coach Little League, led Y-Guides and scouting. Many men have hobbies; Jim’s was caring for his immediate and extended family. He loved spending time with his nieces and nephews and their children. Mechanically inclined, he was always available to help repair anyone’s car, refrigerator, AC, fence or roof. He would show up at 4 in the morning to help push a car out of the snow or graciously take a friend or sibling to the doctor if they needed help. He loved to entertain with backyard pool parties, Christmas Eve gatherings, and annual 4th of July celebration. Jim was also preceded in death by his siblings Bill, Irene, Jack “Bud” and Peggy and his son James L. Hopkins Jr. He is survived by his sons, Commander Kenneth Hopkins USN (Ret) and Thomas Hopkins; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Buchanan; granddaughter, Sarah; and grandson, Doug; as well as his faithful companions, Sunshine, and Shadow. Jim was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle and Friend; he will be greatly missed. Visitation will take place on Friday, November 14, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Funeral Service will be Saturday, November 15, at 10:00 a.m. all at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS, 66614. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Blood Cancer United and sent in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

James "Jim" Hopkins

February 16, 1938 - November 4, 2025