Celebrating the life of
Jason Daniel Hopewell
July 08, 1978 - May 13, 2019
When his daughter Stacy was born, she became the center of his world. Jason was raising Stacy to follow in his footsteps as a die-hard Bengals fan. Jason’s kind, sweet, gentle heart was always thinking of his family. He will always be remembered for his
Jason Daniel Hopewell, devoted husband and father and die-hard Bengals fan died unexpectedly at home on Monday, May 13, 2019.
The Raleigh, NC native was born July 8th, 1978 to Ron and Roberta Prekler Hopewell. Jason grew up in New Hill, NC and was a 1997 graduate of Apex High School. Jason met and fell in love with Catherine Ann Kessler at Carolina Beach. They were later married; he and Catherine prayed and tried for a child for more than four years. When his daughter Stacy was born, she became the center of his world. Jason was raising Stacy to follow in his footsteps as a die-hard Bengals fan. Jason loved the Tarheels and everything outdoors. He enjoyed gardening with Stacy and was looking forward to teaching her how to fish. Jason LOVED people and cooking. He always had a passion for cars and was very good working with his hands. Jason’s kind, sweet, gentle heart was always thinking of his family. He will always be remembered for his giving nature…..the gentleman that would do anything for anyone at any time.
In addition to his wife, Catherine and daughter, Stacy; Jason leaves behind his parents, Ron and Roberta Hopewell; a sister, Tara Kirkpatrick (Mike); in-laws-in love, Ann and Fred Kessler; and nieces and nephews, Hunter, Tyler, and Logan Kirkpatrick, Brileigh and Audrey Faller, Carter and Cannon Patnaude, and Anna Kate and Banks Kessler.
Funeral service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the funeral service.
The family suggest remembrances be made in Jason’s memory to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Georgia Chapter, 57 Executive Park South, Suite 380, Atlanta, GA 30329.
I will never forget Jason. He was a wonderful friend to me and my son, Brad. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
- Ann Rogers, Cary, NC
Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. I never met Jason but Birdie talked a lot about him. He sounded like a wonderful father, husband and friend. Jason may not be there in person but he will always be watching over Catherine and Stacy.
- John & Ro Hnatow, Fairview, NC
The poet, William Wordsworth, wrote “The best portion of a good man’s life is his little nameless unremembered acts of kindness and of love.” Jason truly embodied this selfless sentiment. He possessed the “servant’s mentality” - always willing to help others - even at a moment’s notice - without expecting anything in return. He had a kind soul and a thoughtful nature that will surely be missed by all those whose lives he touched. We are blessed by his memory. Our thoughts and prayers are with Catherine and Stacy (and the Hopewell/Kessler families). We know that God’s love will surely give you strength and hope; and, God’s grace will carry you through the days ahead.
- Bill and Marian Lowe and Family (Dawson, Brittney, Grant and Lucy), Franklin , TN
Ron, Birdie, and Family, I am so saddened to hear of your loss. Jason was a huge part of our family when he was younger. Jason always had a high energy for life, no matter what he was doing. He will be missed. Please know that you are all in my prayers for comfort and understanding during this difficult time, and may God give you peace.
- Cathy Leonard, Holly Springs, NC
So sorry to hear about Jason. Janice and I send our condolences.
- David and Janice Hiatt, Apex, NC
We knew Jason through our daughter April. It has been years since we’ve seen him, but he was always a very polite and mannerly young man. We are so sorry for the tragedy and loss you are going through. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you at this time and the days to come.
- Mike and Celia Jones, Apex, NC
It's a sad day, knowing that the world lost Jason. He had such a passion for life. Few people commit more energy to the pleasures and tasks of a day than he did. He tackled everything, the good and the bad, with seldom-seen enthusiasm. If he was going to build a rope swing, he'd take the deck apart and use it as a launch platform so the swing could go higher. If it was the first day of school, he was going to wake up at 4am to ensure his giant red and yellow jeep was the first in line for the progression to the parking lot...and he'd make sure you went with him. Hopefully, we all feel some consolation knowing that Jason squeezed all the life he could into his time with us. He will be missed.
- Stephen & Shawna Hoffert and family, Asheville, NC
To know Jason, was to love Jason. He was one of the kindest, most giving, loving men I have ever met. He adored Catherine and his beautiful daughter, Stacy. The world is a better place because of Jason. Rest easy my friend.
- Valerie Marcinko, Guyton, GA
Jason was one of the best men I had the privilege to have in my life, he will be missed greatly! I will remember him forever and always! Love you brother! #GoBengals
- Wyatt Young , Rincon , Ga
Catherine, I'm so very sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. Know that you, Stacy and your entire family are in my prayers. Trust in the Lord to help you through this painful time. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.
- Renee Short, Richmond Hill, Ga
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I knew Jason as a kind and sweet soul. I know he will be missed greatly by his family and loved ones but I know he is in the arms of the Lord Peggy
- Peggy Napier, Rincon , GA
I shall always remember Jason as a warm, kind, friendly man who deeply loved my niece, Catherine and whose "apple of his eye" was my great niece, Stacy. May God grant you all peace. I send my love your way.
- Mary M. Kessler, Lawrenceville, Ga.
Sorry for your loss of your Jason. Praying for you and your family. I am an old friend of your Mom and Grandmother "GEEGEE" I will keep you and Stacy in my prayers. With love, Linda Cleary
- Linda Cleary, Tybee Island, Georgia
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know you and the family are in my thoughts and prayers.
- Carol Lawson, Garden City,, Ga
I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of this incredible husband and father. May the family find peace and comfort they need to get through this. Hugs
- Amy, ,
To borrow a quote from the paper: “Love leaves a heartache no One can heal, love leaves memories no one can steal.” My prayer for you,Catherine and precious Stacy, is that God will Give the peace of knowing that your wonderful husband and father will always be with you. He will still be taking of you, just from a different place. Our hearts are with you, today and always. All our Love
- Uncle Bubba, Aunt Dean and Erin Lowe, Tybee Island , Ga
Dear Catherine, Stacy.the Kessler Family, and the Hopewell Family, We grasp to say what is in our hearts, but the words do not feel sufficient to convey our love for all of you and to express our sorrow at losing Jason. He epitomized family in his love for Catherine, and fatherhood in his devotion to Stacy. Jason brought laughter, kindness, and a willingness to always offer his help to his family and friends. The words that resound in my mind from Jason are”Family First’. He lived those words and lifted up everyone around him. Goodness filled his life! God certainly spent a little more time on this special man! Although all of us feel short changed in his time on earth, God must have special plans for his new angel, Jason. Thank you for all that you meant to each of us and know that your memory will live forever in our hearts! We love you , and we will do everything in our power to lift Catherine and Stacy up in prayers and safeguard your lovely wife and daughter! We love you!
- Patty Lowe King and Family, Spartanburg, SC
Jason you will be missed my friend! We played football together for several years in high school. Jason was a hard hitter, but would make sure you were ok after the play. He was like that on and off the field. Jason had a great sense of humor, and always looked for laughs! Jason you will surely be missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to your family and close friends. You have touched many people’s lives. Until we meet again, my friend. RIP Jason Hopewell.
- John Shaver, Holly Springs, NC
You will be missed greatly my long time friend. From the Shell Rapid Lube days to our last days at Rutland Tire in Rincon, we were always there for one another. I’ve lost yet another great and wonderful friend. You’ll be in an awesome place doing what you loved....cooking for everyone. We will meet again and you better have me some of that Carolina BBQ waiting! You’re gone but we will never forget you buddy. Condolences to the family from the Stavely family.
- Chris Stavely, Rincon, Ga
Our deepest sympathy and prayers in your loss of Jason, Our thoughts are with you all now and forward.
- Jim and Vida Prekler, 11040 Prouty Road, Painesville , Ohio
Tata, I am so shocked and saddened in your loss. God be with you and your family!
- Florie Rogers Ambler, Mills River, NC
Tata, I am so shocked and saddened in your loss. God be with you and your family!
- Florie Rogers Ambler, Mills River, NC
Tata, I am so shocked and saddened in your loss. God be with you and your family!
- Florie Rogers Ambler, Mills River, NC
I will never forget Jason. He was a wonderful friend to me and my son, Brad. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
- Ann Rogers, Cary, NC
Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. I never met Jason but Birdie talked a lot about him. He sounded like a wonderful father, husband and friend. Jason may not be there in person but he will always be watching over Catherine and Stacy.
- John & Ro Hnatow, Fairview, NC
The poet, William Wordsworth, wrote “The best portion of a good man’s life is his little nameless unremembered acts of kindness and of love.” Jason truly embodied this selfless sentiment. He possessed the “servant’s mentality” - always willing to help others - even at a moment’s notice - without expecting anything in return. He had a kind soul and a thoughtful nature that will surely be missed by all those whose lives he touched. We are blessed by his memory. Our thoughts and prayers are with Catherine and Stacy (and the Hopewell/Kessler families). We know that God’s love will surely give you strength and hope; and, God’s grace will carry you through the days ahead.
- Bill and Marian Lowe and Family (Dawson, Brittney, Grant and Lucy), Franklin , TN
Ron, Birdie, and Family, I am so saddened to hear of your loss. Jason was a huge part of our family when he was younger. Jason always had a high energy for life, no matter what he was doing. He will be missed. Please know that you are all in my prayers for comfort and understanding during this difficult time, and may God give you peace.
- Cathy Leonard, Holly Springs, NC
So sorry to hear about Jason. Janice and I send our condolences.
- David and Janice Hiatt, Apex, NC
We knew Jason through our daughter April. It has been years since we’ve seen him, but he was always a very polite and mannerly young man. We are so sorry for the tragedy and loss you are going through. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you at this time and the days to come.
- Mike and Celia Jones, Apex, NC
It's a sad day, knowing that the world lost Jason. He had such a passion for life. Few people commit more energy to the pleasures and tasks of a day than he did. He tackled everything, the good and the bad, with seldom-seen enthusiasm. If he was going to build a rope swing, he'd take the deck apart and use it as a launch platform so the swing could go higher. If it was the first day of school, he was going to wake up at 4am to ensure his giant red and yellow jeep was the first in line for the progression to the parking lot...and he'd make sure you went with him. Hopefully, we all feel some consolation knowing that Jason squeezed all the life he could into his time with us. He will be missed.
- Stephen & Shawna Hoffert and family, Asheville, NC
To know Jason, was to love Jason. He was one of the kindest, most giving, loving men I have ever met. He adored Catherine and his beautiful daughter, Stacy. The world is a better place because of Jason. Rest easy my friend.
- Valerie Marcinko, Guyton, GA
Jason was one of the best men I had the privilege to have in my life, he will be missed greatly! I will remember him forever and always! Love you brother! #GoBengals
- Wyatt Young , Rincon , Ga
Catherine, I'm so very sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. Know that you, Stacy and your entire family are in my prayers. Trust in the Lord to help you through this painful time. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.
- Renee Short, Richmond Hill, Ga
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I knew Jason as a kind and sweet soul. I know he will be missed greatly by his family and loved ones but I know he is in the arms of the Lord Peggy
- Peggy Napier, Rincon , GA
I shall always remember Jason as a warm, kind, friendly man who deeply loved my niece, Catherine and whose "apple of his eye" was my great niece, Stacy. May God grant you all peace. I send my love your way.
- Mary M. Kessler, Lawrenceville, Ga.
Sorry for your loss of your Jason. Praying for you and your family. I am an old friend of your Mom and Grandmother "GEEGEE" I will keep you and Stacy in my prayers. With love, Linda Cleary
- Linda Cleary, Tybee Island, Georgia
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know you and the family are in my thoughts and prayers.
- Carol Lawson, Garden City,, Ga
I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of this incredible husband and father. May the family find peace and comfort they need to get through this. Hugs
- Amy, ,
To borrow a quote from the paper: “Love leaves a heartache no One can heal, love leaves memories no one can steal.” My prayer for you,Catherine and precious Stacy, is that God will Give the peace of knowing that your wonderful husband and father will always be with you. He will still be taking of you, just from a different place. Our hearts are with you, today and always. All our Love
- Uncle Bubba, Aunt Dean and Erin Lowe, Tybee Island , Ga
Dear Catherine, Stacy.the Kessler Family, and the Hopewell Family, We grasp to say what is in our hearts, but the words do not feel sufficient to convey our love for all of you and to express our sorrow at losing Jason. He epitomized family in his love for Catherine, and fatherhood in his devotion to Stacy. Jason brought laughter, kindness, and a willingness to always offer his help to his family and friends. The words that resound in my mind from Jason are”Family First’. He lived those words and lifted up everyone around him. Goodness filled his life! God certainly spent a little more time on this special man! Although all of us feel short changed in his time on earth, God must have special plans for his new angel, Jason. Thank you for all that you meant to each of us and know that your memory will live forever in our hearts! We love you , and we will do everything in our power to lift Catherine and Stacy up in prayers and safeguard your lovely wife and daughter! We love you!
- Patty Lowe King and Family, Spartanburg, SC
Jason you will be missed my friend! We played football together for several years in high school. Jason was a hard hitter, but would make sure you were ok after the play. He was like that on and off the field. Jason had a great sense of humor, and always looked for laughs! Jason you will surely be missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to your family and close friends. You have touched many people’s lives. Until we meet again, my friend. RIP Jason Hopewell.
- John Shaver, Holly Springs, NC
You will be missed greatly my long time friend. From the Shell Rapid Lube days to our last days at Rutland Tire in Rincon, we were always there for one another. I’ve lost yet another great and wonderful friend. You’ll be in an awesome place doing what you loved....cooking for everyone. We will meet again and you better have me some of that Carolina BBQ waiting! You’re gone but we will never forget you buddy. Condolences to the family from the Stavely family.
- Chris Stavely, Rincon, Ga
Our deepest sympathy and prayers in your loss of Jason, Our thoughts are with you all now and forward.
- Jim and Vida Prekler, 11040 Prouty Road, Painesville , Ohio
Tata, I am so shocked and saddened in your loss. God be with you and your family!
- Florie Rogers Ambler, Mills River, NC
Tata, I am so shocked and saddened in your loss. God be with you and your family!
- Florie Rogers Ambler, Mills River, NC
Tata, I am so shocked and saddened in your loss. God be with you and your family!
- Florie Rogers Ambler, Mills River, NC
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
