William James Hopkins Jr

William James Hopkins, Jr., age 94 of Bethel, died peacefully on Monday, December 8, 2025 at the Delaware Veterans Home in Milford following a long illness.

The only son of William J. Hopkins, Sr. and Elizabeth Culver Hopkins, Jim was raised in the family home in Bethel where 8 generations of Hopkins family members have lived. He was the beloved grandson of Anna C. Hopkins and Gertrude and Minos "Ed" Culver, a prominent Laurel businessman and farmer, who helped to raise him.

Jim was an active leader in the Laurel Schools and community, serving as Editor of the school newspaper, manager for all boy's varsity sports, Class and Student Council officer, Governor Of Delaware Boys State, and Boy's Nation representative.  He attended the University of Delaware, but enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge, Jim returned to Laurel and went into family farming with his father - and was proud to produce some of the best cantaloupes and melons on the East Coast. To supplement his farming income, he also began officiating high school football and basketball, calling games for over 20 years.

In 1965 the Magistrate system was initiated in the State and Judge Hopkins was one of the first persons appointed by Gov. Charles Terry to serve as a Justice of the Peace, a position he held for over 40 years - one of the longest serving members of the Delaware Judiciary. During his tenure, he worked with the Legislature to increase efficiency and quality of service within the JP system.  He was known for his firm fairness and ability to listen to all sides of an issue, while maintaining a sense of humor and humanity. In addition, he was known as the "Marrying Judge" for the many weddings he performed. 

Jim was civic minded and spearheaded the building of the Lions Club "Recreation" tennis and basketball courts in Laurel.  He served as president of the local Lions Club, traveled over a three state region as a Cabinet Secretary for the District Governor, and as President of the American Field Service.  He raised his children with firmness and expectations, and his family home was filled with people and love and laughter. He loved to cook, especially "Judge's Cream of Crab Soup" and shared it with many. He welcomed the stranger and always had room at the table for everyone, including hosting three foreign exchange students.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife of almost 38 years, Mary Catherine; his daughter, Karen Hopkins Pugh and her family; his son and namesake, Jim Hopkins; his bonus children Beth Conaway and her family; Danny Hall and his family; Lisa Emory and her family, and his Thai exchange student daughter Achanee Indrachai-ea Boonchai. He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and sister Mary Ann Hallett.

All arrangements are private.

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