Hopkins Retires
JASPER, Texas - Tears were shed and words of gratitude shared at a standing-room-only retirement party Tuesday afternoon for Eddie Hopkins, who stepped down after seven years as Executive Director of the Jasper Economic Development Corporation (JEDCO).
Hopkins addressed the crowd thanking them for attending, then proceeded to thank many individuals who were part of his success both with JEDCO and throughout his life. Hopkins told a story about his father’s dislike of the Heisman Trophy. “Usually, it’s the running back that gets it…how did that running back get all those yards???…it was because of those linemen and because of the rest of the team.” Hopkins went on to say, “You don’t win as a individual… You win as a team and I think JEDCO has won as a team. Unfortunately, we’ve had some situations arise that showed a little fracture in our team but we are still a team. I hope that it continues to be that way for many years to come.”
Hopkins took time to present Lamar State College of Port Arthur with the initial portion of the TRUE Grant funds that were applied for by JEDCO on behalf of the school. The money will be used to purchase a new truck and trailer that will be used for CDL training in Jasper with the remaining being used to offset tuition for students who can’t afford it.
Hopkins’ daughter Emily Wilson thanked him for the example he has been to her through the years. Wilson said, “I am his biggest fan… and I don’t think I’m the only fan of his in this room. Thank y’all for coming, I thank y’all for loving my dad, and now I just ask that y’all give him back and let him enjoy some time with his grandkids.”
Cole Michalk, with Speaker Dade Phelan’s office, presented Hopkins with one of the last flags flown over the state capital under Phelan as Speaker of the Texas House.
Senator Robert Nichols personally wrote a letter Hopkins. “Your work in banking, as president of the school board and most recently as economic development director and other civic endeavors has touched so many lives and made the world a better place in which to live. You are respected and appreciated in many ways in your community and around the state including myself for your unwavering support.”
A number of speakers communicated and showed their appreciation for Hopkins during the event by presenting certificates of appreciation to Hopkins for his service and commitment to Jasper.
The event was attended by businesspeople, religious and civic leaders, as well as friends and family in honor of Hopkins’ contributions to the community.
Hopkins became JEDCO Executive Director in 2017.
(Photos provided by Chris Lanier & ETB)
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Hopkins is no stranger to volunteerism throughout Jasper County and the State (see list below.)
Hopkins was inducted into the Texas High School Basketball Officials Hall of Fame in August 2024
Board Member of the Angelina and Neches River Authority, 9-member board appointed by Governor Abbott from as far north as Tyler south to Orange. I am the only Jasper County member.
Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas, one of three representing Jasper County and a member of the Executive Finance Committee.
Member of SPEAR (Student Pathway for Economic Advancement of the Region) Founding member.
JISD School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC)
Jasper Public School Foundation, President
Jasper Higher Education and Technology Foundation, Board Member
Jasper County Airport Advisory Board
Newton Food Share, Board Member
Jasper County Fire/Law Enforcement Training Advisory Committee
Texas Forest Country Partnership, Current Trreasurer and Past Chair
Executive Director for the Texas High School Basketball Officials Association, 28-member board and 5,000 Officials
University Interscholastic League Sports Officials Committee, Vice Chair
Member of the Texas Economic Development Council, and currently member of the Workforce Development Committee and Rural Strategies Committee.
Member of REDI, Regional Economic Development Initiative in conjunction with Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission Counties
Former Jasper ISD Trustee for 19 ½ years
Former President of the Jasper Lions Club
Former Treasurer of the Jasper Lions Club
Former President Jasper Youth Baseball Association
Former member of the Jasper Child Welfare Board
Former board member for the Jasper Lake Sam Rayburn Chamber of Commerce
