James P. Hopkins IV

Posted 13 Dec 2006
James P. Hopkins IV Naval Flight Officer

VP-4 1975-1978; VP-17 1985-1987

James P. Hopkins IV, 55, a retired Navy Lieutenant Commander who worked for the Federal Aviation Administration, died at Inova Fairfax Hospital Nov. 28, 2006 after a car accident at Old Keene Mill Road and Tiverton Drive in Springfield, VA.

He was born at Camp Lejeune, N.C Oct. 23, 1951. and grew up in Alexandria and graduated from Edison High School, where he was on the track and cross-country teams. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1973 and for the next 20 years lived all around the world, with stints in Hawaii, Guam, Venezuela, Virginia and Okinawa, Japan, working as a navigator, tactical coordinator and defense intelligence analyst.

After his military retirement in 1993, he taught Naval Junior ROTC at Springbrook High

Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Kay Henning Hopkins of Springfield; three children, Joanne Hopkins of Arlington, Jeff Hopkins of Savannah, Ga., and Frank Hopkins of Springfield; his mother, Mary Lee Hopkins of Williamsburg; and a sister, Janet Davis of Herndon.

Interment at Arlington National Cemetery was a touching ceremony and most fitting for Jim, who unselfishly served his country for so many years. With full military honors, his caisson was drawn to the grave site by 6 beautiful black horses led by a marching band accompanied by a rifle platoon. On location, the rifle squad fired the traditional three volleys followed by a bugler playing taps that rivaled Pvt. Robert E. Lee ‘Prew’ Prewitt’s performance in “From Here to Eternity.” The flag folding demonstrated by the pall bearers was indicative of today’s military precision.

His grave site is on the highest point in the location with a panoramic view of many historical monuments. The view was augmented by a deciduous tree that displayed its unique limb configuration against a clear brilliant sky. The temperature was a bit cool when we arrived at the center; however, by the time we were at the grave site the sun was warming everyone with its bright rays, which is how I remember Jim. There was a large crowd representing, neighbors, church members, swim team acquaintances, and of course the VP-4 contingent:Frank & Kathy Leoffler, Randy Goode, Paul Jackson, Gary & Judy Stack, Claude Timmerman, Larry & Ronda Jahnke, Ben Francisco, John Kennedy, Bill Short, and Ted & Wanda Rogers.

In his honor, the FAA named the Final Approach Fix for VOR/DME RWY 4R going into former NAS Barbers Point HPKNS.

There is a condolence book at www.Washingtonpost.com. Kay is looking for stories and remembrances about Jim from his Navy days. The Post will make her a memorial book containing all the stories posted. Please include your remembrances in the condolence book.