Jason Hopkins

   PEKIN ~ Jason Hopkins, 88 of Pekin, passed away at 3:12 a.m., Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at Pekin Hospital. Born January 6, 1923 in Clinton, IA to James P. and Bertha (Ingram) Hopkins, he married Marjorie Parks on July 19, 1947 in Morrison, IL.  She survives.

Also surviving are four daughters, Crete (Richard) Bobenhouse of Robins, IA, Colleen (Keith) Kosier of Sterling, Carla (Roger) Lamer of Pekin, Cori (Mark) Thames of Acworth, GA; fourteen grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren.

Jason was preceded in death by three sisters. He was a member of the United States Army in the Pacific Theater during WWII, where he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and had received a Bronze Star for his service as a medic with Co. A, 102 Medical Battalion, 27th Division.

Jason attended Bradley University in the Arts Department. He was employed at Commonwealth Edison, Powerton Station in Pekin, retiring in 1982.  It was at that time he became a member of the Powerton Playboys. Jason was a member of the William Schaeffer American Legion Post 44 in Pekin.

He was a member of First United Presbyterian Church in Pekin where he was also on the dartball team.

A renowned artist in Pekin, Jason was known for his watercolors of Pekin historic buildings and homes.  He was also a history buff and a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan.

His memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, November 5, 2011 at his church.  David Taylor will officiate.  His family will receive family and friends following the service in the fellowship hall of the church.  Military honors will be provided by Military Funeral Honors Team and Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team.  

Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kemmerer Village, 941 N 2500 East Road, Assumption, IL, 62510.  Kemmerer Village is a private, non-profit human service agency established in 1914 whose mission is to support families and children who face stress and turmoil in their lives.  Memorials may also be made to First United Presbyterian Church, 1717 Highwood Ave., Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com