John R. Hopper Jr.

John R. Hopper Jr. of Odessa passed away unexpectedly after a tragic hunting accident on Sunday, October 6, 2024 at the age of 67.

John was born in Montour Falls on April 14, 1957 to John R. and Jean (Gardner) Hopper Sr. He graduated from Horseheads High School and worked for Wilcox Press in Ithaca as a printing press operator.

From a young age, John always found himself on the creek beginning a lifelong love of fishing. He fished the same creeks his entire life and could often be heard telling family and friends “Fish On” when he had a fish hooked. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed bow and gun hunting, bringing down a beautiful 8 point buck the day before he died.

He loved his girls and grandchildren more than anything and was proud of each of them, always doing everything he could to make them smile and laugh. His mancave shed was lined with cherished photos from hunting and fishing adventures alongside crafts and pictures his grandchildren had made for him.

John is survived by his wife, Bonnie Jo Hopper; four daughters, Carin (Taylor) Hopper, Chelsie Hopper, Caitlin Cilley, and Melissa (Kevin) Smith; 8 grandchildren, Philip, Alayah, Zoey, Liviana, Oliver, Darell, Sydney, and Meya; mother Jean Hopper; and many other extended family members and friends. John was preceded in death by his father, John Sr.; and two sisters.

The family will be present to receive friends from 10:00am to Noon on Friday, October 11, 2024 at Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South Street, Trumansburg. A Funeral Service will immediately follow at Noon at the funeral home. Burial will immediately follow at Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks those that would like to make a contribution in John’s memory to kindly consider donating to the GoFundMe page to help the family.