James Arthur (Jim) Hopkins

I doubt that I can come up with enough adjectives for Jim. After knowing Jim for 25 years, and sharing fifteen years around the Waitaki District Council table, Jim and I have been through rough times, tough times and great times. His passion and dedication has been unequalled - Waitaki has been the beneficiary of his service and New Zealand is better for everything Jim was to so many people. Yes Jim, you could be a challenge in the Chamber, but you could also be relied on to have done the homework, to fight for ratepayers, and to lighten the mood with some witty humour along the way! I’m proud to have been able to serve with you, not just as colleagues, but also as friends. I’m going to miss you a lot, and I know Waitaki will miss you too. Rest easy, my friend.

Jim & I worked together for 6 years on the Young Farmer Contest in the late nineties and have remained good friends (along with many other Young Farmer Alumni) since then. He was a true professional with his on stage performances and was often described as the lifeblood of the Young Farmer events. I last caught up with Jim 3 months ago in Oamaru and we had planned a joint Birthday Party in Moeraki in December this year, sadly I will now be celebrating solo. Farewell my old mate it's time to hang up your Redbands.

Jim was such a gentleman. I was privileged to work with him when I was the CE of NOIC several years ago. But what I remember most, was when I was in Wellington a couple of years ago at a water services get together and I didn’t know many in attendance. I saw Jim and he was just so welcoming and we shared a red wine together. Professional, warm, funny, one of a kind. It was a real highlight to know and work with him.

Not a colleague, more of a sparring partner. But a respected opponent. I'll miss the occasional encounters in the Supermarket when we'd have very long chats. By the time we parted we'd fixed the World's woes. If only. The Council Chambers was your main venue, but I was always pleased to cross paths at the oh so many public occasions. Maybe I'll hunt out "Blokes and Sheds" at the next Bookarama. Sadly I will truly miss you. Sincerest condolences to Family members.

Thankyou for your hardwork & tireless contribution towards our community. You were a true stalwart and I admired your support & leadership & mentorship you provided to all around you. You advocated for what was right and held a space for our pasifika people too. That is a true testiment of your character, always there to serve all peoples in our community. Rest easy & condolences go out to jim's family & friends. Manuia lou Malaga, samoan for safe journey.

I was sad to hear of Jim’s passing. I always enjoyed catching up with him; you just never knew where the conversation would go but you could be sure there would be some laughs along the way. Aroha to the family.

So sad to hear of Jimmy boy's passing, I had met him when he helped us couple years to do with CCS Ōamaru, he was so caring and had a great sense of humor. Good bye Jimmy boy meet you again in heaven

So sad to learn last night of the death of Jim Hopkins. Jim was not only a broadcasting colleague but was the speaker at the first fundraising dinner I organized for Hospice in Central Otago. He composed his witty speech about 5 minutes before he delivered it at Paulinas at Clyde. Jim was always wildly enthusiastic and was a great contributor to so many radio shows and of course as host on TV's Young Farmer. Loved him on The Country at midday on ZB. He did tours around the cheese factory in Oamaru and was a passionate Councilor for Waitaki. I think the first time I worked with Jim in TV was in Chch on Fast Forward which was a futuristic science programme. Jim was a genuine, passionate, clever, witty and lovely man who has made a difference to many. Rest easy Jim.

I had the privelege of working with Jim over the past 8 years. Jim was a man that cared deeply for his community. He was quick witted, sharp and passionate. He was also light hearted, jovial and one of the funniest blokes you'd ever meet. I'll miss his cutting questions in the Council Chamber and his willingness to express his views, and those of his constituents with enthusiasm. I'll miss more his light hearted banter and booming voice. My condolences to everyone that held Jim dear, there are many of you.

Jim was an amazing orator and a living thesaurus. When a noisy room needed called to attention Jim needed no microphone and he always had all the synonyms needed to entertain and amuse. He was also a talented auctioneer, including for charity auctions raising funds for The Rotary Foundation. He led The Rotary Club of Oamaru as president three times and assisted many other club presidents in finding interesting and varied speakers for Rotary meetings. He also served on the club's board of directors with the same veracity he applied to council business. We will miss Jim's good humour. Condolences to his family and friends.

While Jim could demonstrate a cutting wit during 'performances', the same man could be so sweet and down to earth chatting to strangers in a bookstore. Thank you for your service to Oamaru. You will be missed

In 1990 I listened to Jim in a celebrity debate in Dunedin and suggested IHC run something similar as a fundraiser. Jim led a team in the first one and continued to do so annually for around 15 years. He led a team again in 2024 and 25 when the debates were restarted. He was also a valued member of the Rotary Club of Oamaru which awarded him the organisation's highest honour, a Paul Harris Fellowship, in recognition of his community service. I will miss his quick wit, his intelligent analysis and his friendship. My sympathy to his family, colleagues and friends.