Jonathan Graham Hopkins of Aviston, Illinois was taken suddenly on June 8, 2019.
He was born on April 30, 1967 in Brunswick, Maine to Frank and Joyce Hopkins. He joined the military at 21 years old and was a proud patriot who served his country honorably. He retired from the U.S. Army as a Sergeant First Class after 21 years.
Jon was a graduate of the Army’s Basic and Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer’s Courses. During his active duty Jon’s career and training in communications took him places all over the world. He served in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, and then with the 11th Signal Brigade at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. He then traveled overseas in 1998 to Portugal (NATO), Korea (2 tours), Italy (NATO) and Bahrain.
Jon returned to the United States in 2005 where he was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He retired from DISA Headquarters, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois in 2010. After retirement he worked in the defense industry.
Jon was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM), multiple Army Commendation Medals (ARCOM), and multiple Army Achievement Medals (AAM).
It was in Bahrain where Jon met the love of his life, Bernardita. The perfect pair were married in July 2007. They enjoyed vacationing with family and their son Brent. Jon loved country music, good food, family, friends, wine and his two spoiled schnauzers Benji and Tramp. He was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Aviston, Illinois.
Jon was preceded in death by his father, Frank Hopkins.
Survivors include:
Wife
Bernardita Hopkins, Aviston, Illinois
One Son
Brent Hopkins, Aviston, Illinois
Two Sisters
Barbara (Mike) Sharrow, Rockledge, Florida
Tracy Greene, Rockledge, Florida
One Brother
Shawn (Lynna) Hopkins, Mt. Olive, Alabama
Mother
Joyce (Pat) Mudd, Tall Timbers, Maryland
Stepmother
Phyllis Hopkins, Rockledge, Florida
One Sister-in-Law
Myla (Ron) Thornhill, McAlister, Oklahoma
One Cousin
Gemma Medallo, San Francisco, California
One God-Daughter
Melissa Tolentino, San Francisco, California
A military interment service will be held on a later date.
Peck Funeral Home
