James was born April 28, 1952 in Rockingham County to the late Elwood Hopkins and Roberta Motley Hopkins.

James attended the public schools and graduated from Reidsville Senior High School in 1971. He continued his education in Rockingham Community College where he majored in wielding. He worked as a wielder, and retired from New Port News Ship Yard after forty two years of service.

James was a faithful member of Wesley Chapel UMC.

He leaves to cherish his memory, two brothers; William(Plug) Hopkins,(Shirley) from Pensacola, Florida, Donald Hopkins, Hampton, Virginia, one nephew; William Hopkins II, three nieces; Kiara, Caysen, and Kinsey Hopkins, Pensacola, Florida, one aunt; Agnes Fair, Daytona Florida, special cousin; Ella Wease Maynard, Reidsville, NC and a host of family and friends.