James Hopson

James Earl Hopson Sr., 84 years, of Monroe, MI. went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at 11:05 PM in his home. Earl had been in poor health and under the tender care of Mercy Memorial Hospice since December of 2011. Born June 18, 1927 in Washburn, TN Earl was the son of the late James N. and Addie (Shepherd) Hopson. Earl’s family moved to Monroe when he was a child. Earl attended Monroe High School and was member of the track team. Earl served our country honorably and proudly as Coxswain during WWII in the United States Navy from October 13, 1944 to August 3, 1946. For his meritorious service he received the American Area Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Area Ribbon with 1 star and the World War II Victory Medal. On December 20, 1947 Earl married his beloved wife the former Pearl L. Hunter in Monroe. Sadly she preceded him in death on October 18, 2004 after 56 years of marriage. For 46 years Earl worked in the paper mills in Monroe and retired in 1989 from Jefferson Smurfit. Earl was a member of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church where he served as an usher and was a member of “The Over The Hill Gang”. He was also a member of the VFW Post 1138. Earl enjoyed gardening and tending to his flowers, woodworking, listening to music, hunting, fishing and helping friends with building projects. Earl most enjoyed time with family, especially watching his children and grandchildren play in their sporting events. Earl is survived by four loving children: James E. (Loretta) Hopson Jr. of Monroe, Robert A. (his fiancé: Mary Pinchoff) Hopson of Monroe, Connie A. (Jeff) Smolek of Clarkston, MI and Kathy M. Hopson of Monroe, six cherished grandchildren: Jason (Jayme) Parker, Jessica (Brad) Beaubien, Matthew (Ashley) Hopson, Joshua Hopson, and Matthew and Mackenzie Smolek, 4 treasured great grandchildren: Brooklynn, Olivia, Hailie, and Logan, a sister April Davis of Monroe, two sisters in law: Alice Hopson and Mary Griffin and two special family friends: Orval Parker and Linda Duetscher. In addition to his beloved wife and parents, Earl was preceded in death by a brother Jack Hopson and a half brother Odra Collins. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 2-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd. in Monroe. On Friday, March 16, 2011 he will lie in state at Monroe Missionary Baptist Church from 10:00 AM until funeral services celebrating his life at 11:00 AM. The Rev. Roy Southerland pastor of the church will officiate. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park where the VFW Post 1138 will conduct military honors. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Building Fund at Monroe Missionary Baptist Church or Mercy Memorial Hospice of Monroe.