Roll Call Tribute

John Howard Hopkin, III
March 26, 1942 – November 26, 2022

John Howard “Jack” Hopkin, III died peacefully on November 26, 2022, with his wife and daughter by his side.

Jack was born on March 26, 1942, to John Howard Hopkin, Jr. and Odell M. Hopkin in Missouri. Jack, and his younger brother Mac, grew up as children of a military family. Jack graduated from Waco High School and went on to become a fighting Texas Aggie in the Corp from 1959 through graduation in 1963.

Upon graduation from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, he was inducted into the United States Air Force and stationed in Laredo, Texas. Jack moved to San Antonio after completing his assignment in the Air Force and worked for Fireman’s Fund Insurance, while also playing the piano at Shakey’s Pizza Parlor. He met his wife, Mary Virginia “Ginger” Paterson in San Antonio and they were married on November 8, 1969. They have two children - Stacy Michelle Hopkin Jorden and Jon Christopher Hopkin.

Jack acquired a job in Houston, Texas working for Collins Construction Company, and he remained in the construction field until his retirement in 2012. He worked on several Houston landmark buildings during his career such as the George R. Brown Convention Center; 1600 Smith Building; the James A. Baker Hall on the Rice University campus; two additions to the M D Anderson Cancer Center; and numerous elementary schools in and around the Houston area. He enjoyed working in the construction industry and was proud of what he accomplished.

Jack and Ginger settled in Houston, Texas and raised their family here. Jack felt very strongly about staying in one place since he moved frequently when he was growing up. They moved to the Katy, Texas area in 2002 to be closer to their daughter and granddaughters.

Jack’s favorite pastime was music. He was a very accomplished piano player. He played many instruments in addition to the piano such as the steel guitar, accordion, trumpet, banjo, cello and numerous other guitars. He played for church services, weddings and played keyboards in a country band. The keyboard was always his “go to” instrument! Jack also enjoyed watching sports, particularly the Astros and his beloved Texas Aggies, and was a dedicated fan. He had a very dry sense of humor and was very sharp; he was always an interesting person to talk to.

Jack was first diagnosed with cancer in 2005 and was in remission until 2017. During his remission he volunteered at MD Anderson playing the piano in the lobby for many years, and at the Christmas luncheon given by MDA for the patients and their families. He felt like that was a small way of giving back for all the wonderful treatment he received there. Since 2017 he had been in failing health when he was diagnosed with another type of cancer. Jack succumbed to his battle with cancer on November 26, 2022.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, John and Odell Hopkin. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary Virginia “Ginger” Hopkin; daughter, Stacy M. Jorden and her husband Chris of Katy, Texas; son, Jon Christopher Hopkin of Houston, Texas; and two beautiful granddaughters: Caroline Jorden, who attends Baylor University in Waco and Grace Jorden, who attends Texas A&M University in College Station. Jack stated many times his greatest gift was his granddaughters! He is also survived by his brother, Mac Hopkin and his wife Betty Jo, of Frisco, Texas, and numerous nephews and nieces.

Jack has left his earthly bonds, but his spirit and love of music live on.

A memorial service will occur on December 15, 2022, at Grand Lakes Presbyterian Church, Katy, TX at 1:30 p.m.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.nationalcremation.com/location/houston for the Hopkin family.