James “Jim” Wilford Hopper, 82

December 24, 1943 – August 7, 2026

James Wilford Hopper, known and loved by many as “Jim,” departed this earthly life on Friday, August 7, 2026, in the comfort of their condo in Miramar Beach, Florida, surrounded by the love of his wife and close family.

Funeral services remembering Mr. Jim’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, August 23, 2026, in the Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until the time of service on Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Tiplersville Cemetery, where Mr. Jim will be laid to rest beside his beloved son, Jeffery, with a brief graveside service.

Born December 24, 1943, in Ripley, Mississippi, Mr. Jim was the son of the late Wilford Hatley Hopper and Lee Earl Skinner Hopper. Following high school, he continued his education and earned a degree in Economics and Business, preparing him well for what would become a long and distinguished career.

On May 29, 1965, Mr. Jim married his beloved wife, Judith Hines Hopper. Together, they built a life in the Tiplersville community, sharing sixty-one years of marriage and raising their beloved son, Jeffery. Their lives were forever changed by Jeffery’s passing on April 8, 1993, yet through the years, Mr. Jim and Mrs. Judy remained devoted to one another and continued walking through life side by side.

A hardworking and accomplished businessman, Mr. Jim devoted fifty years of service to Cortelco, Inc., the telephone company in Corinth, Mississippi. Through dedication, sound judgment, and a strong business mind, he rose through the company and ultimately served as its President and Chief Executive Officer before retiring in 2020. His lengthy career was a reflection of the man he was—dependable, disciplined, straightforward, and committed to the responsibilities placed before him.

A Christian and member of Tiplersville Church of Christ, Mr. Jim lived his life in a quiet and reserved manner. He was never a man who needed a long list of hobbies or activities to keep him content. He tended to his own business, valued the company of those closest to him, and appreciated a peaceful and orderly life.

In recent years, due to Mrs. Judy’s health, the couple made their home along the Florida coast in Miramar Beach. Although the move came about because of necessity, they grew to truly enjoy their time there. Together, they found contentment in the peaceful coastal atmosphere, the quiet surroundings, and the sound of the waves rolling in. After a lifetime of hard work and responsibility, those years offered Mr. Jim and Mrs. Judy a slower pace and precious time simply spent together.

While his presence will be greatly missed, Mr. Jim’s family finds comfort in knowing that his earthly journey is complete, his pains have been healed, and he has been reunited with his beloved son, Jeffery. Most importantly, they find peace in knowing he now rests safely in the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ.

In addition to his beloved wife of sixty-one years, Mrs. Judy Hopper, Mr. Jim’s memory will continue to be cherished by his brother, Larry Hopper (Bonnie); numerous nieces and nephews, including Jennifer Kirk and Meghan Street who helped care for him and Mrs. Judy; his special caregivers, Rhonda Wilson and Laura Bullock, who through their loving care became like family; and the many friends and acquaintances he gathered throughout a lifetime.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilford Hatley and Lee Earl Skinner Hopper, and his beloved son, Jeffery Hopper.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be Lane Bell, Landon Meeks, Joe Skinner, Jeff Skinner, Gary Aultman, Bob Glover, Dan Rogers, and Steve Ward.

Honorary pallbearers will be Chuck Yancey, Donnie Green, Walt Duffey, Johnny Coombs, Randall Miskelly, and Raymond Skinner.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Mr. Jim and his beloved son, Jeffery.

Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with Mr. Jim’s family.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.

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Visitation

Sunday
August 23, 2026
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral

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Funeral Service

Sunday
August 23, 2026
2:00 PM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral