Chase Jordon Hopkins of St. James, Missouri was born Oct. 27, 2009 to Chris Hopkins and Tara Martin and passed away on Dec. 25, 2025 at the age of 16 years.
Chase attended St. James High School. Although he disliked riding the school bus, he cared for his bus driver, George. One evening on the ride home, Chase recognized that something was wrong when George began suffering a stroke. Acting quickly and calmly, Chase called his dad from his cell phone, following his father’s instructions, Chase worked to get the bus safely stopped, then immediately called 911. His quick thinking prevented danger to the students on board and helped save George’s life.
He once rescued his dog, Frank. Though his dad never wanted a dog, Chase’s persistence won him over. When it was discovered that Frank was actually female, Chase said it didn’t matter—he loved her and kept the name he had chosen.
He was active in school athletics, practicing with the wrestling team and enjoying baseball, playing in summer leagues around town. He loved attending St. Louis Cardinals baseball games.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with friends and family
Chase had a lifelong love for monster trucks and attending Monster Jam events. His parents spent countless hours tracking down each and every monster truck Hot Wheels car for him.
He was a proud member of the FFA and looked forward to choosing which animal he would raise.
He is survived by his father, Christopher Hopkins of the home; mother, Tara Martin of St. James, Missouri; brother, Gaige Martin of St. James, Missouri; grandparents, Dave and Trudy Martin of St. James, Missouri and Sharon Breckenridge of Rolla, Missouri; aunts and uncles, Tanna and Justin Gruver, Tonya Southard, Bobbie Hopkins, all of St. James, Missouri and Veronica Decker of Republic, Missouri; great uncle, Floyd Cale of St. James, Missouri; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 at the St. James Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary in St. James, Missouri.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 at the St. James Chapel of James & Gahr Mortuary in St. James, Missouri with Pastor Don Carson officiating.
Serving as pallbearers were Nathan Allen, Ryley Clover, Jason Wheeler, Tate Gruver, Bob Hopkins and Chris Hopkins. Honorary pallbearers were George Mcantire, Peyton Gruver, Floyd Cale and Gaige Martin.
Arrangements under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary in St. James, Missouri.
