James Fredrick Hopper

Dr. James Fredrick Hopper, age 66, died on June 8, 2016, in Moriarty, New Mexico. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, June 18 at 11:00 a.m. at the University of New Mexico Alumni Memorial Chapel located on the University’s campus. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Dr. Hopper's life. Dr. Hopper was born on January 26, 1950, to parents Robert and Ollie Mae Hopper in Albuquerque, NM. He Graduated from the University of New Mexico in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, followed by receiving his Doctor of Medicine from the University Of New Mexico School Of Medicine in 1977. As one of the top graduates in Medical school, Doc Hopper was named to Alpha Omega Alpha, the national medical school honor society. He served as Chief Resident during his surgical residency at Tulane University in 1982 and he was a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. In 1984, he moved to Ruidoso, NM to start his medical practice. In 1988, he moved to Artesia as the Chief of Staff of the hospital, while also maintaining a private practice. Later in life, Hopper worked as a drug and alcohol rehabilitation counselor for various clinics in Prescott, AZ, sharing his personal story of struggle, continuing to save the lives of many in a new capacity. Dr. Hopper was fueled by an extraordinary passion for the patients he served, his family, and the natural beauty he found in the wilderness of New Mexico. He is survived by his mother, Ollie Mae Hopper of Albuquerque, NM; his children, Lauren DaCruz and her husband Dominique and daughters Ana Martine, Ines, and Estelle of Monterey, CA, James Hopper, Jr. and his wife Chandler of Nashville, TN, William Hopper of San Antonio, TX, and Robert Hopper and his wife Natalie of Richardson, TX; and his siblings, Robert Hopper, Jr. and his wife Barbara of Scottsdale, AZ and Clarinda Shook and her husband Sam of Moriarty, NM. He is preceded in death by his father, Robert Hopper of Albuquerque, NM. Contributions to help preserve the memory of Dr. Hopper can be made to his son James Hopper, Jr. at 1352 Crown Point Place, Nashville, TN 37211