ROME--James Hopkins, a permanent deacon serving at St. Mary’s Church, died suddenly Jan. 5 while preparing a Communion service for prisoners. He was 60.

Deacon Hopkins was preparing to offer a Communion service for inmates at Hayes Correctional Institute in Summerville when he collapsed. The funeral Mass was celebrated Jan. 8 at St. Mary’s Church by Father James Miceli, pastor of St. Mary’s, and concelebrated by Msgr. Peter Dora, vicar general of the archdiocese, Father Paul Hachey, SM, judicial vicar of the Court of Appeals, and Father Victor Galier, parochial vicar at Holy Spirit Church, Atlanta. Interment was to follow at a later date in New Orleans.

A native of New Orleans, Deacon Hopkins was ordained in 1980, becoming one of the first married men to be ordained to the order of deacon in the Catholic Church after the reforms of the Second Vatican Council. He served at Holy Savior Church in Lockport, La., before coming to St. Mary’s, where he had served as a deacon since 1996. He was also employed by Loop, Inc., prior to his retirement. He and his wife Gayle were married for 39 years.

In addition to his wife, Deacon Hopkins is survived by a daughter, Bridget Hopkins Tuckett of Summerville; two sons, James, Jr., of Lafayette, La., and Joseph of Daytona Beach, Fla.; a sister, Peggy Hopkins of New Orleans; four grandchildren, nieces and a nephew.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the American Heart Association, 500 N. 2nd Ave., Rome 30161, or to St. Mary’s Church, 911 N. Broad St., Rome 30161.