James Walter Hopkins

James Walter Hopkins, of Weymouth, died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, January 4, 2026. He was 82.

James was born in Neosho, Missouri, on February 24, 1943, and was the son of the late James A. and Helen V. (Lauderdale) Hopkins. He was raised in Neosho, attended local schools, and graduated from Neosho High School. Following graduation, James enlisted in the United States Navy on March 26, 1964. He was assigned to the USS Severn as an oiler. The USS Severn (AO-61), a Cimarron-class fleet oiler, actively supported the Vietnam War by providing crucial fuel and logistical support, deploying to the Western Pacific and serving the fleet off Vietnam during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

A hardworking and skilled tradesman, James spent many years in the heating industry, starting by attending Massachusetts Trade Shops School for oil burner servicing in 1970, going on to work for Ace Heating, American Heating, and J A Marino Heating, before retiring from Industrial Burner Systems in 2017. Known as a true “Mr. Fix-It,” there was little he couldn’t repair, and he took pride in solving problems.

Though generally quiet and a silent observer, James had a sharp sense of humor and loved to make a well-timed joke. Strong willed and thoughtful, he was a steady presence to those who knew him best. He was a proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life like reading the newspaper, shopping, dining out, and especially cheering on his beloved New England sports teams.

James found great joy in the outdoors, particularly during the summer months. He loved gardening, growing tomatoes, soaking up the sun, and spending time outside. Most of all, he cherished time spent with his family and was deeply devoted to his wife, whose companionship meant everything to him.

James was the beloved husband of the late Cheryl A. (Sparrow) Hopkins, who passed away in March of 2023. The two shared many loving years of marriage. He was the devoted father of Sheriann Devine and her husband

Daniel of West Paris, Maine, James Hopkins and his wife Tracey of Summerville, South Carolina, and Susan Bowker and her husband Neal of

Weymouth. James was the loving grandfather of Megan Howe, Breanna Bowker, Ashley Hopkins-Owens, Shawn, Evan, and Sydney Hopkins and the loving great grandfather of Willow and Wesley Howe, Kadin Hopkins,

and Avah Daughtry. He was the dear brother of Carolyn Shellhorn and her husband Albert of Independence, Missouri, and Sue Manz and her late husband Joe of Lubbock, Texas. James is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Monday, January 12, 2026, from 4-7 PM in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home SOUTH WEYMOUTH at 809 Main Street (Rt. 18 opp. South Shore Hospital).

His funeral service will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 11 AM in McDonald Keohane Funeral Home, SOUTH WEYMOUTH at 809 Main St. (Rt. 18 opp. South Shore Hospital), Weymouth.

Services will conclude with interment in Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne at 1:30 PM.

DUE TO CEMETERY FLORAL RESTRICTIONS: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in James' name to the Alzheimers Association, MA Chapter, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452.