Ernest Jack “Ripper” Hopkins, 79 of Elkhorn City, KY passed away Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at Pikeville Medical Center. Ripper was a retired police officer, a KY Colonel, a member of the Elkhorn City Chruch of Christ and Elkhorn City Fire Department. Ripper was born June 16, 1942, at Little Creek, KY to the late William “Bill” Hopkins and Dona Brewer Hopkins. In addition to his parents, Ripper was preceded in death by one brother, Bill Hopkins, Jr. Ripper is survived by his wife, Judy Swiney Hopkins of Elkhorn City, KY; a son, Scott (Melissa) Hopkins of Pikeville, KY; a daughter, Scarlett Hopkins of Elkhorn City, KY; and three granddaughters, Hannah Nicole Hopkins, Britney Paige Hopkins & Emma Grace Hopkins. Visitation will be from 6-10 PM Thursday, September 23, 2021, at the Bailey Funeral Home Chapel with a service at 7 PM. The funeral service will be held Friday, September 24, 2021, at 11 AM from the chapel with Jim Ed Belcher and Steve Taylor officiating. Burial will follow at Elkhorn City Cemetery, Elkhorn City, KY.
Will be missed by family And friends. They never will be another Jack the Ripper. Rest in peace my friend.
I have known Jack “the Ripper” since 1967 when I joined the Stepin’ Stones. We shared so many good times. Decades later we continued the good times in our reunions. Jack was a true performer who enjoyed life and made sure everyone around him enjoyed life too. We have shared the stage more times than I can count. When I think of Jack I smile and will miss him each time the Stepin’ Stones play in the future. Rest In Peace Jack. You were truly one of a kind.