James Franklin Hopkins (aka) Snooky was born March 30, 1936, in Bloomington, IN to James Hopkins and Matilda (Norris) Hopkins. His strong family heritage of love and support permeated into the lovely caring and kindly man we all have come to know and love. He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Second Baptist Church in Bloomington, IN.
James graduated from Bloomington High School in 1954, where he was a football standout. He accepted a football scholarship to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and played there for three years. He left Arkansas to marry his then wife Lenora then returned to Bloomington in 1960. By then they had three children, a young son, and twin daughters. Another daughter would be born after their arrival. He was a hardworking provider for his family where he was a Building Engineer until 1965 at Indiana University. In 1965 he became the first Black firefighter for the City of Bloomington, IN. James overcame many barriers and successfully retired as a Captain with the Bloomington Fire Department in 1991. As you look in the room today his commitment and dedication has resulted in many opportunities for other minorities to be gainfully employed with the Bloomington Fire Department.
James is known for his dedication to Christ and service to Second Baptist Church. He loved to sing and was a member of the choir and the Men’s Ministry.
On September 14, 1985, he married Mary Louise Granger and he helped raise her two children, a son and daughter, as his love for the family continued to flourish.
He loved being around family and friends where he enjoyed barbequing, playing cards, and watching Indiana University football and basketball. He was also an avid fan of the Indianapolis Colts. He was a true “HOOSIER”.
James was preceded in death by his loving mother, Matilda Jane Hopkins, father, James Hopkins, sister, Faye Lynn Hopkins, son, Rodney Darnell Hopkins and daughter, Marcia Lynn Pickett, two sons-in-law, Calvin Fletcher and Andre Pickett.
He leaves to cherish in memory, his loving wife, Mary Louise Hopkins, three daughters, LaDonna Hopkins Fletcher, Beltsville, MD: Vatonia (Keith) Gray, Piperton, TN: Tracy White, Bloomington, IN: and one son, Matthew Morris, Tallahassee, FL: 12 grandchildren: three great grandchildren and a host of relatives and devoted friends.
Funeral Services are scheduled for Monday, January 29, 2024 at Second Baptist Church, 321 North Rogers Street, Bloomington at 11:00 AM with Rev. Dr. Bruce Rose officiating, burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 28, 2024 from 3:00 – 7:00 PM in Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home, 4150 East Third Street, Bloomington.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.dayderemiahfrye.com
