John WJ Hopkins

John W.J. Hopkins

John Wesley James Hopkins, age 70, Akron, Indiana died on January 12, 2017 at 11:43 p.m. at his residence.

He was born on April 20, 1946 in Rensselaer, Indiana to John E. and Era Louise (Rhodehamel) Hopkins.  He had lived in Akron for the past four years coming here from Burbank, California and Reno, Nevada.

John graduated in 1964 from Rensselaer High School and in 1968 from Indiana University with a B.A. in Education and Communication.  He married Patricia Louise Baker on May 1, 1970 in Hammond, Indiana.

John had a very active and broad occupational life.  He was a high school teacher in English, TV and Radio at Highland High School and was also a substitute teacher.  He was a legal assistant in the law firm Hopkins & Hopkins in Rensselaer, Indiana.  He also worked at LeSea Broadcasting in South Bend, Indiana.  He was a member of International Brotherhood of Magicians and a camping club.  John played Santa at Christmas time in shopping malls and was known for his real beard.

Surviving John are (2) daughters:  Elly (spouse Tyson) Smith of Akron and Anne (spouse Jesus) Cabrera of South Central, KY; (1) son:  Matthew Hopkins; (1) brother:  Richard E. Hopkins of Springfield, IL; and a special friend:  Stoney Dale (fiance of Jonathan Hopkins) of Akron; (3) grandchildren:  Jonathan Hopkins of Akron, Victoria Goralczyk of Fort Wayne and Savannah Hopkins Smith of Akron; (1) great-grandson:  James Dale.

Preceding John in death are his parents and wife Patricia who died on January 25, 2003.

At this time, there will be no visitation or services. 

Online condolences may be sent to earllovefuneralhome.com

The staff of Earl-Love Funeral Home considers it a privilege and an honor to care for the family and friends of John W.J. Hopkins.

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