Jack Stewart Hoppen
1923-2008
Major Jack Stewart Hoppen, USAF Ret. died December 14 in Atlanta Georgia. He was born Dec 11, 1923 in Buffalo, New York to Ruth Hutchinson Hoppen and Elias William Hoppen. He lived most of his life in Allendale, New Jersey.
Jack enlisted into the US Army Air Corps following his graduation from Pedie Prep School in October 1942. He was called to active duty in January 1943 and received his pilot wings on 6 March 1944.
As a B-17 pilot in the European Theater during WWII, Hoppen flew 35 combat missions from Grafton Underwood Airfield in England. In December 1944, the year he turned twenty-one, he was shot down on a bombing mission over Mannheim Germany, but limped back to the English coast on one engine.
The second time the Germans shot out 3 engines and when the fourth died, he landed in enemy territory but was picked up by liberated Belgians and taken into Brussels.
Major Hoppen left active service in 1946, but remained on reserve duty. In January 1951 he was recalled to active service as a pilot and reconnaissance officer and was sent to England for the duration of the Korean War. He returned to the States in 1954.
Jack's recon experience in photography carried over into civilian life. He covered many PGA Tournaments for the American Golf Sponsors Association. The Hoppen family moved to Highlands, North Carolina in 1973. Jack continued his photography there and also established a window treatment installation business.
He is survived by Dottie, his wife of 61 years and four of his five children; Fran Gray of Sun Valley Idaho; Mark Hoppen (deceased); Leslie Hoppen of West Palm Beach, Florida; David Hoppen of San Diego California and Andrew Hoppen of Atlanta Georgia. He also leaves behind 7 grandchildren.
Services will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation in Highlands NC on January 3rd at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers or other condolences, please make contributions to The Memorial Garden at the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, P.O. Box 729, Highlands, NC 28741-0729 in memory of Jack Hoppen.