Obituaries

James Elwood and Mary Sandra Elwood

August 4, 2026

U.S. Veteran

N/A

In Loving Memory of James Elwood (85) and Mary Sandra Hopkins (78), of Pennsville, New Jersey, together in life, and now together again in eternity.

James Elwood Hopkins and Mary Sandra Hopkins shared a beautiful life built on faith, family, love, and devotion to one another. Their love story began when Mary was just 17 years old, and they were married on July 19, 1960. From that day forward, they walked through nearly seven decades of life side by side, building a family and a home filled with love.

Their faith was the foundation of their lives. Both James and Mary held firmly to their faith in God and were devoted members of Park Bible Baptist Church, where they were active and faithfully served their church family. Their love for the Lord was not simply something they spoke about—it was woven into the way they lived and the legacy they passed on to their children and grandchildren.

James was a proud member of the US Navy and wore his Navy hats with pride, never missing an opportunity to tell a good story. He dedicated 35 years of his working life as a union pipe fitter, eventually ending his career with PSEG. Mary retired from Atlantic City Electric after a career of her own. But while their work was an important part of their lives, their greatest joy was always their family.

Together, James and Mary raised three children Lisa (Brian) Schmid, Vicki (James) Sylvester, and J. Michael (Beth) Hopkins. Their family continued to grow, and they were blessed with eight grandchildren Justin (Caity) Schmid, Jeremy (Cory) Schmid, Jessica Schmid, Joshua Schmid, Jacob Schmid, Jonathan Schmid, Alyssa Hopkins, and Alexis Hopkins. along with being blessed with one great-grandchild, Luca Schmid, who brought another special generation of love into their family.

Mary’s passing in 2022 left a tremendous emptiness in the hearts of those who loved her. James carried her memory with him until his passing. For the family, his passing brings the deep sorrow of losing him, but also the comfort of knowing that the two of them are together again.

James and Mary’s lives remind us that a lasting love is built one day at a time—through faith, commitment, family, and the simple gift of walking through life together. Though they are deeply missed, their family takes comfort in knowing that this is not goodbye forever. Their earthly journey is complete, their faith has become sight, and they are together once again in the presence of the Lord they loved and served.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Matthew 25:23