Jimmie was born April 10, 1957, in Amarillo to Ray and Florida Hood Hopson. He was reared in Amarillo and graduated in 1976 from Palo Duro High School. He was a Christian and enjoyed meeting and socializing with people. He worked for San Jacinto Baptist Church for several years and was most recently employed by Central Church of Christ, where he enjoyed his work.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ray Hopkins; his wife, Gerita Hollings; two sisters, Melba Johnson and Velinda Hood; and two brothers, Lawrence Hopson and Jerry Hopson.

Survivors include a son, Jimmie Ray Hopson Jr. and wife Krystal of Amarillo; a daughter, Thais Hopson of Amarillo; his mother, Florida Hopson of Amarillo; a brother, Perry Hopson of Amarillo; and numerous grandchildren, nephews, nieces and other relatives. He also raised Roshanda Grady, the daughter of a special friend, Demetria Grady.