Why We Run

For those of you who don’t know, Jim Hopkins was a beloved husband, devoted father and grandfather and dear friend to many who passed on March 17, 2023. Jim was a faithful, loving, funny, smart, selfless man. If you met him, you’re likely a better person for it! Jim’s go-to birthday Facebook post to his friends was “I’ll Hoist a Pint Fer Ya!”. It is an uncanny coincidence that he passed on St. Patrick’s day, as if we needed one more excuse to hoist a pint fer him!

So why are we running a 5k to honor Jim? Jim loved to run. And he especially loved 5k races with his daughter, Brandy and son, John. Running was more than just exercise for Jim. It was a way for him to take control of his health and honor his dad. It was security that he could keep showing up for his family. It was a way to keep up with the younger guys on hunting trips. It was a way to connect with his children, get some flashy medals and drink some beer. Running was a symbol of Jim’s perseverance and determination.

Hop Legacy

The Hop Legacy is a non-profit corporation created to allow proceeds from the 5k race and any other donations to go to causes that Jim could get behind. This year we focus on Jim’s passion for engineering and teaching future generations about STEM. All proceeds will be donated to FIRST, who offers hands-on STEM learning and teams for all ages.

What’s with the monkey? Jim loved chimps, especially chimps doing human things. Anyone could simply show him a picture of a chimp making a silly face and he would crack up laughing. A classic go to for birthday cards would be the one with the silly chimp… guaranteed laughs.