James “Buddy” Hopkins, 78, of Beverly Hills, Florida, formerly of Mount Vernon, Illinois passed away at 9:45 P.M. on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at Seven Rivers Hospital in Beverly Hills, Florida.  He was born on Friday, February 22, 1935 in Mount Vernon, Illinois to William Jean and Nan Leila (Gray) Hopkins.  Buddy is survived by his brother:  Wiley Hopkins and wife Sue of Buda, Texas, two special nieces:  Dana Bourland and husband Jim of Mount Vernon, Illinois and Jean Crase and husband Shawn of Keller, Texas, two special nephews:  Tim Hopkins of Buda, Texas and Curt Hopkins and wife Linda of Buda, Texas, brother:  of Mount Vernon, Illinois, dear friend:  Don Lowery of Mount Vernon, Illinois, several children, great nieces, and great nephews also survive. His parents, one sister:  Mary (Hopkins) Albright, and several aunts and uncles preceded him in death.   Buddy served our country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. He worked as a truck driver for Yellow Freight Co. for over thirty years. Buddy graduated from Mount Vernon Township High School, enjoyed hunting, and loved his family very much. He was a classic car enthusiast and participated in many car shows over the years, winning multiple awards along the way with his dear friend Don Lowery of Mount Vernon. Buddy was a member of Bible Baptist Church in Beverly Hills, Florida where a memorial service was previously held on July 18, 2013. Graveside Burial of Ashes will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, August 17, 2013 at Wolf Prairie Cemetery in Jefferson County, Illinois with Reverend Merle Fullerton officiating. Members of the American Legion Post #141 will conduct a Flag Presentation at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Children's Leukemia Foundation and will be accepted at the funeral home or mailed to Hughey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 721, Mount Vernon, Illinois 62864.