James David “Jim” Hopper, Jr., 94, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Saturday, April 9, 2016 at the Russell Regional Hospital.

Jim was born October 4, 1921 in Gem, Kansas, the son of James D. Sr., and Mary E. (Shoffner) Hopper.  He grew up on the family farm near Gem and graduated from Gem High School.  He was attending college at Ft. Hays State University until he joined the Army Air Corp.  He was a Gunnery Trainer for the B-17’s during WWII.  After the war he returned to Kansas and graduated from Ft. Hays State University.  He graduated from Ft. Hays with a degree in Business and Accounting.

Jim was united in marriage to Dorothy Teppe from Dorrance on February 16, 1943 in Hays, Kansas.  They moved around early in their marriage before settling in Russell.  This union was blessed with six children; James, William, Becky, Tom, Mike and Tim. 

Jim was an Insurance Agent for Farm Bureau in Russell for 36 years.  He also was a farmer and rancher most of his life.  He was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church and the American Legion Post 99 of Russell.  He enjoyed farming, hunting with his boys, and going to the Lake with family, but he loved flying.

Surviving family include his wife of 73 years, Dorothy of the home; daughter, Becky Vogt of El Paso, Texas; three sons, Tom Hopper (Carol) of Mesquite, Texas, Mike Hopper (Beth) of Russell, Kansas and Tim Hopper (Laura) of Russell, Kansas; seven grandchildren, Jim Hopper (Becky), Mike Hopper, Jeremy Hopper (Ashley), Taylor Hopper, Cameron Hopper, Brianne Hopper and Matthew Hopper; and three great grandchildren, Abigale Hopper, Ethan Hopper and Tyler Hopper.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sons, James D. Hopper, III in 1993 and William Zac Hopper in 2008; eight brothers and three sisters.

Celebration of James’ Life will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, April 14, 2016 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary.  Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  A Memorial has been established with the Russell Regional Hospital.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.