James Walter Hopper

James Walter Hopper, 78, departed this life on Monday, March 9, 2026 at Lakewood Retirement Community in Richmond, Virginia. His parents preceded him in death, as did his first wife, Lelia Baum, the mother of his two sons, his brother Duane (Anne) and his wife Beverly Black. He is survived by his younger brother Michael (Birgit), his sons Cory (Elizabeth) and Randy (Amy) and his four grandchildren: Preston, Kendall, Wyatt and Graham.

He was born in Sentinel, Oklahoma, the son of LTC Obed and Nan Hopper, spending his childhood with his family on military assignments in Europe and the U.S. before settling in Virginia. Jim was a proud member of the Corps of Cadets, graduating from Virginia Tech with a B.A. in Political Science and then earning a law degree from the University of Richmond School of Law. He had a long and distinguished legal career. He conducted multiple oral arguments at the United States Supreme Court, while also serving in the U.S. Army Reserve, achieving the rank of Colonel. Following his time engaged in the private practice of law in the Richmond area, he served in the Virginia Office of the Attorney General as Deputy Attorney General and section chief of two major sections. He was later appointed by Governor Bob McDonnell to be the Deputy Secretary for Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security and subsequently, to be Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security. He deployed as a member of the United States Army in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in Baghdad City and Province, Iraq. There he headed the Baghdad Provincial Reconstruction Team, Governance Section in the establishment of civil governance in the Province and City of Baghdad. In retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his wife Beverley and spending time with family.

Jim was an accomplished man who was proud of the opportunity to positively impact others through mentoring and charitable giving. He cultivated a strong sense of community and service through his involvement in the Corps of Cadets Alumni Board, the German Club of Virginia Tech, and as a member of the choir at 2nd Baptist Church for many years. He will be missed by those who had the privilege of knowing him. A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, April 13th at 2nd Baptist Church, 9614 River Road, Henrico, VA 23229 in the Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial tributes be made in Jim’s name to the Virginia War Memorial Foundation and National Parkinson's Foundation.