Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Hopkins,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of St. Louis County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. There is no tougher job in Law Enforcement than that of a Corrections Officer.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 20, 2023

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 20, 2020

James,
Yesterday, we put Mom to rest. As always, we know you'll take good care of her.
Love you.

Natasha
Sister

November 21, 2018

Officer Hopkins,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of St. Louis County. There is no tougher job in Law Enforcement than that of a Corrections Officer. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 20, 2018

Your life was taken too soon and on this 17th anniversary of your tragic death, I just wish to thank you for your service to your community, helping to keep those to terrorize society, steal and damage lives, away from the innocent.

God Bless and may your rest forever be peaceful, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

August 20, 2015

James, we remember you as the anniversary of your death approaches. We will always remember you and your sacrifice.

Lieutenant Chris Sanchez
St. Louis County Justice Services

August 6, 2015

Thinking of you today Jamie, Missing you without a doubt, your nieces and nephew talk about how they miss you as well. Love you my brother see you when I get to the other side.

Love your sis from another mother
Tania

Tania Bonner
sis

August 1, 2014

Corrections Officer James S. Hopkins II: August 20, 1998, was one of the hardest days of my life. I came to work at 0600am and by 0830am our Department received word that we had lost Officer Hopkins, our fellow Officer, brother, and friend. While time has gone on the pain, hurt, anger, and disbelief is still hard to understand sometimes. James was a dedicated, hardworking, committed, Officer that took pride in his job, and the responsibilities associated with being a Corrections Officer, and an even better person and friend. James, thank you for the service commitment and dedication you gave to both the citizens of St. Louis County, and to the St. Louis County Department of Justice Services. As a current employee and 20 year veteran of the Department that had the honor of working side by side with James for 5 years I want the family and friends of Officer Hopkins to know that we remember his heroism daily. His picture and medal is displayed on the wall when you enter our Department, and his service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. The Ultimate Sacrifice made by Officer Hopkins is also honored and remembered yearly during the following events:
1. The St. Louis Area Police Chiefs Memorial Prayer Breakfast.
2. The Jefferson City Memorial Service.
3. The Annual St. Louis County Uniform Day Service.
If any family members would like to join us for any of these events or to just stop by the Department and say "Hello" please contact Major Kenneth Reed Jr. at (314) 615-5739. We would love to hear from you or have you join us as we remember our "Hero". "We shall never forget Corrections Officer James S. Hopkins II" God bless you, your family, and the other family affected by the events of August 20, 1998, Rest in Peace my friend!!!

Major Kenneth Reed Jr.
St Louis County Department of Justice Services

March 14, 2014

Just thinking about you today, it's been so many years since I heard your voice or seen your face, but I will never forget you my brother, my friend. Rest In Peace

Tania
Sister

January 26, 2013

Home is where the heart is…

James, I begin and end this day with thoughts of you…and as I have so often done throughout the years, I've placed a candle in the window to light your way as you traverse through eternity's transcendental corridors. Still, with or without the beckoning flames, I know that you will always remember your way back to us and always, always find your way home. You are ever in our hearts.

Natasha
Sister

January 4, 2012

I miss you soooo much little brother. I know you're still watching and making sure we are being Blessed. I also want to thank you for having Lexus sent to me. She is just what I needed. Love you....

Cynthia
Sister

January 3, 2012

James, I awoke remembering the day that you were born. I love you and miss you, terribly.

Sylvia
Mom

January 3, 2012

Happy Birthday, James.

Natasha
Sister

January 3, 2012

Just thinking about us growing up together on Stillwell like sister and brother. Just laughing at how we use to plot on Cynthia and Tasha while they were both at school. WOW I miss you today, but I know that you are in a better place.




Love you always and forever
Your other sis Tania

family
sis

July 4, 2011

It is soooo hard to believe that it has been 13 years....You taught me so much about day to day life that I have carried with me through my travels...You were a beautiful man, with a enormous heart....You had a way of getting peoples attention and keeping it....may you rest in peace....I will never forget you!!!!

Anonymous

April 19, 2011

I never knew officer Hopkins... never once met the guy. It seems that he was a well liked person based off of his memorial however. I am a family member to the other person that was killed. She was my aunt Shannen. Today marks 12 years since their lives were taken by the senseless act of drunk driving. I woke up that day to hear the news of what happened. What makes this more confusing and frustrating is that this accident occurred during the morning rush, a time you would think alcoholic drinking does not happen. Unfortunately it does. I should not be here to point my anger at the one responsible for this problem. I dont even know the individuals name. I wasnt even a teenager when this accident happened, so the day in itself continues to leave myself so confused of what really happened and why it happened. I think about my aunt all the time still. I tell very few people that, if anyone. I think about the person she was that was very thoughtful and generous, and cared about many people, and then i am also subjected to August 20th, of 1998, where I found out she was no longer with us. Not only that, Officer Hopkins is also no longer with us, and that leaves me out of the curiosity of who Officer Hopkins was. I fortunately came across this and found out he was a rather well liked person.

Life in itself seems to be so hard in our world today as it was compared to 12 years ago. The love and admiration for one another, whether it would be family, friends, or colleagues continues to remain strong. My best advice for anyone who reads this is to be nice to anyone you meet or know. I have so many days where I cannot control my anger, yet thinking about people such as my aunt and this officer will make me realize that life is too short to go around angry all the time. Smile at the person you look at face to face next time you are going to the fast food restaurant and handing them your money. That person at the register is most likely not where they want to be in life, so an additional smile will make their day that much better. I would think these two individuals who lost their lives 12 years ago today would appreciate the effort to be the greatest people we can be during our time on this planet. Please take the time to care.

Sean
non-family/friend

August 20, 2010

I just wanted to say that I was thinking of you today. It's almost 12 years since you were taken away from us. A lot of things have changed in that time. RIP

CO-1
Dept. of JS

May 21, 2010

Thinking of you today James Hopkins! Although time has passed away, it was like yesterday that I saw your bright smile and felt your positive spirit. Although our contact was minimum, your presence is everlasting. Thanks for touching my life in such a special way. I smile and feel you spirit at each and every moment you are thought about. RIP!

Anonymous

May 17, 2010

James,

I think of you nearly every day; you can not quite imagine how much I miss you. As often as not, I wish that you'd visit my dreams or slip through a corporeal, metaphysical plane so that I may see you and know how you truly are. My heart aches. Time and again, I can not bear the profound silence of your absence.

You are embedded in my heart. Love you, love you…always.

Natasha
Sister

February 15, 2010

Sir You are remembered today of Your untimely death. Thank You Sir for Your Service You will not be forgotten. God Bless You and Your Family.....

J Mullens
Federal Bureau of Prisons

August 20, 2008

Thinking of you today. I can't believe its been almost 10 years.

CO-1 / Co-worker
Justice Services

June 2, 2008

Almost ten years have passed since your life was taken. Your body is gone from this earth, but your spirit lives on in every LEO who serves. I honor your life and mourn your death. Thank you for your dedication, Officer Hopkins. Thank you that, even though you knew the risks, you arose each day and renewed your commitment. You are not forgotten.

March 30, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 10, 2007

Officer Hopkins,
Today is the ninth anniversary since you were called home. My thoughts are with your family today as they remember the wonderful person you were to them.

Pennsylvania citizen

August 20, 2007

It has been 19 years since your EOW and you have not been forgotten. They say as time goes on that it becomes a little easier for the loved ones left behind. My thought on this is that there is not enough time left for any of us to each this point. Each morning when your loved ones awake from sleep to start their day, you are the first thought on their minds. Then, when it is time for them to drift off to sleep at night, you are the last thought they think of for the day. You will never be forgotten. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and stand at their side and protect them from harm.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

August 19, 2007