James R. Hopson

James R. Hopson, age 74, of Rison, died Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. He was born March 22, 1936 in New Edinburg, a son of the late Raymond and Frances Attwood Hopson. In 1954, Mr. Hopson graduated from University of Arkansas at Monticello with a B.A. in Business. On June 21, 1959 he married Helen Hufft in New Orleans, Louisiana. In 1960, Jim went to work for the Bank of Rison where he has been the President since 1975. He was a member of Rison United Methodist Church where he was a member of the choir and was on the Board of Trustees. Jim served as President at Rosswood Country Club; Rison City Council Member; a member of Rison School Board for ten years; past deacon and former member of Rison Baptist Church where he served as Secretary.

Jim loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and gardening. He was an avid golfer and followed the Razorbacks passionately. But most of all, Jim loved his family and adored his grandchildren.

Mr. Hopson is survived by his wife, Helen Hufft Hopson; son and daughter-in-law, Cliff and Mandy Hopson; brother, Jack Hopson; three grandchildren, Austin Heflin, Isabella Hopson and Avery Hopson, all of Rison; brother-in-law, Louis (Jane) Hufft of New Orleans; niece, Rebecca Hamilton of Kingsland; nephew, Chris Hopson of New Edinburg; cousin, Mary Jane Attwood of Hot Springs Village.

Funeral services are 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 28, 2011 at Rison United Methodist Church with Reverend Glenn Hicks and Reverend Don Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in Free House Cemetery near New Edinburg. The family will receive guest from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 27, 2011 at Jim and Helens home. Pallbearers are David McKinney, Alan Humphries, Mark Attwood, Lee Moore, Frank Wilson, Stan Sadler, Jay England and James Powell. Honorary pallbearers are Edward lee Parham, Jim Ed Attwood, John Blanchard and Jack Winston. The family requested memorials be made to Rison United Methodist Memorial Fund or Building Fund, P.O. Box 468, Rison, Arkansas 71665 or to the American Cancer Society. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Buie Funeral Home of Rison (870) 325-6216.