James Dean Hopper

James Dean Hopper, age 73, of Badin, North Carolina, passed away on June 21, 2025. Born on July 4, 1951, Humboldt, Tennessee, Dean lived a life marked by service, devotion to family, and quiet strength.

Dean attended K.D. McKellar Elementary School and graduated from Milan High School, where he met the love of his life, Jody Rhoades. The two married in December 1969 and shared 55 devoted years together. They raised one daughter Terrace, born in 1973. During his lifetime, Dean formed many strong, lifelong friendships that remained meaningful to him throughout his life.

The same year he married, Dean began a distinguished 20 year career in the United States Air Force. He served with honor in the variety of global posts, including Newfoundland, England, Norway, and Colorado, where he was stationed at NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command). A significant portion of his career was also spent at Pope Air Force Base in North Carolina. Throughout his service, Dean was known for his reliability, humility, and steadfast dedication to his country and colleagues.

After retiring from the Air Force, Dean pursued his passion for education and history, earning the admiration of students and peers alike as a History teacher at both Seventy- First High School and Jack Britt High School in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

The family will receive friends from 3pm-4pm on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Christ Episcopal Church of Albemarle. A Celebration of Life will follow at 4pm, officiated by Rev. Chip Long.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Morris Alvin Hopper and Era Ophelia Hopper, as well as his brothers Alvin Ray Hopper and Daniel Houston Hopper.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Jody Hopper, daughter Terrace Brykit (Steve); and his brothers, Benny Hopper and Tommy Hopper also many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.

Dean will be remembered for his quiet strength, quick wit, and unwavering commitment to family, service, and education. His Legacy lives on in the many lives he touched, both in and out of the classroom. His favorite saying and belief was " Nature never betrayed the heart that loved her."

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations may be shared to Tillery Compassionate Care or Christ Episcopal church of Albemarle .

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Hopper family.