John W.J. Hopkins
John Wesley James Hopkins, 70, Akron, died at 11:43 p.m. Jan. 12, 2017 at his residence.
He was born April 20, 1946 in Rensselaer to John E. and Era Louise (Rhodehamel) Hopkins. He had lived in Akron for the past four years coming here from Burbank, Calif. and Reno, Nev.
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.
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. He also worked at LeSea Broadcasting in South Bend. 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 two daughters: Elly (spouse Tyson) Smith of Akron; and Anne (spouse Jesus) Cabrera of South Central, Ky.; one son: Matthew Hopkins; one brother: Richard E. Hopkins of Springfield, Ill.; and a special friend: Stoney Dale (fiancé of Jonathan Hopkins) of Akron; three grandchildren: Jonathan Hopkins of Akron; Victoria Goralczyk of Fort Wayne; and Savannah Hopkins Smith of Akron; one great-grandson: James Dale.
Preceding John in death are his parents and wife Patricia, who died on Jan. 25, 2003.
At this time, there will be no visitation or services.
Online condolences may be sent to earllovefuneralhome.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Earl-Love Funeral Home, Akron.