Track and Field Mourns Loss of Jim Hopkins
Jul 04 | Track & Field
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – The Rutgers track and field program mourns the loss of Jim Hopkins, who passed suddenly Wednesday. Hopkins resided in Ireland where he operated a family-owned bed and breakfast with his wife Regina. The funeral mass will be streamed live on Monday, July 5 at 11:30 a.m. and can be viewed at clifdenparish.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations, if desired, can be made to Clifden R.N.L.I. More information regarding the ceremony and donations can be found here.
Hopkins was a graduate of Rutgers University in 1979 after completing a successful career as a distance runner. He was the recipient of the Les Wallack Award, given to the most improved cross country runner in 1976. He ran on several Metropolitan Championship teams and competed at the NCAA Championships for cross country. Hopkins excelled in the two and three mile races.
"We lost a wonderful man in Jimmy Hopkins," said former Rutgers head track and field coach Frank Gagliano. "A great husband to Regina, very devoted to his families in the U.S. and Ireland. Jimmy was a fierce competitor on the Rutgers track and field team, and he was a major contributor to the success we had during his four years at RU.
"He always had a smile and he was very loyal to me and all the many friendships he has made over the years we knew each other. When he moved to Ireland with his lovely wife Regina, he came to see me and my wife every Christmas for a day! He always made sure he would spend time with his family and with his teammates during his Christmas visits. You will be missed Hopper! Love, Coach Gagliano"
"We are very saddened to hear of the unexpected passing of Jim Hopkins," said former Rutgers head track and field coach Mike Mulqueen. "He was a great teammate, runner and friend to everyone at Rutgers. He always had a smile on his face. He will be greatly missed."
Hopkins is survived by his wife Regina, brothers Kevin and Raymond, his sisters Liz, Kathleen, Mary Ellen, Eileen, Delia, and Anne, his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, his father and mother-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, neighbors and a large circle of friends. He is predeceased by his mother Mary, father James and brother Joe.
