James Jay Hopkins

October 28, 1946-May 26, 2026

James Hopkins, a longtime resident of New Haven, CT, passed away after a brave battle with prostate cancer May 26th, 2026. He was a devoted husband of Judith Hopkins for 51 years and loving father of Kenneth, Eric and Jonathan Hopkins.

Jim was born and raised in Mt. Kisco, NY to Everett and Helen. His childhood was spent helping his father at the pharmacy, playing with his brother Steve and sister Carol, and playing basketball, track and golf. He attended Manhattan College, earning a degree in math education. Jim traveled far and wide in his twenties, and always had extraordinary stories to share about his first time at a state, including seeing wild animals and people he met along the way.

After joining an Outdoors Group in New Haven, he met his bride, Judith Eccles, “Judy,” and they married in 1975. They established their home in the Beaver Hills area of New Haven, in 1976. Their life was consumed with their 3 boys’ sports and activities, travel and laughter for the next 51 years. Jim had a rewarding career in education, where he taught math at Amity Regional High School, in particular geometry, astronomy and statistics. He also was an assistant soccer and track and field coach. His love of math led him to return to college for a Master’s Degree in Educational Research at Southern Connecticut State University. He also taught at Southern Connecticut State University for 18 years.  Jim was a dutiful/conscientious man, a caring father, and a loving husband. He was very handy and often had a new project to work on at his house. He loved astronomy and would travel any day to see an eclipse or a dark sky. He was proud of his 3 boys and encouraged them in their pursuit of their life’s passions. After his retirement, Jim traveled with Judy to Europe, South America and to many US National Parks.

Jim’s love of golf led him to many golf tournaments with friends, and to becoming a Florida resident, along with Judy, in the winter, where he golfed at Waterlefe in Bradenton for many years. Later in life, Jim enjoyed golfing with his sons and grandsons in Florida and Cape Cod. Through his love of travel, Jim also played a round of golf at St. Andrews in Scotland, and watched a round of golf at Augusta for the Masters Tournament.

Jim was also an avid sports fan and devoted follower of New York and Connecticut sports teams including the Yankees, Giants, Knicks and UConn Men's and Women's Huskies Basketball. Along with his wife Judy, Jim even traveled to some of the UConn Women's games during their many appearances in the NCAA Tournament.

He is survived by his wife, Judy and his children Kenneth (Amber) Hopkins and grandchildren Lucas and Conor of Baltimore, MD, Eric Hopkins of Chicopee, MA, Jonathan (Anna) Hopkins of New Haven, CT, and his brother Stephen (Adrienne) of Ithaca, NY.