James “Jim” Anthony Hotopp, 85, of Bluffton, was born on July 23, 1941, the son of the late Anthony and Mina (Carroll) Hotopp in Richmond, Indiana.
Jim graduated from Richmond High School where he played basketball and participated in many other sports. A basketball scholarship at Earlham College helped him achieve his goal of earning a Bachelor of Arts in History. He later completed his Master of Arts at Ball State University, obtaining a degree in History Education.
He was a long time U.S. history teacher at Southern Wells High School from 1966 to 2011. His immense interest in sports and helping kids led to coaching junior high football, basketball, and track for many years.
In 1975, Jim the history teacher met Marcia Johnson, a new first-grade teacher at Southern Wells. The two were married on Dec. 20, 1975, at Six Mile Church. The Southern Wells superintendent and many of the coaches were instrumental in making this match.
Jim continued coaching until his children were born. When they were old enough for sports themselves, he became a coach again, helping with YMCA basketball, Bluffton Youth Baseball, and training for track and cross-country. In recent years, Jim enjoyed shooting hoops, throwing footballs and baseballs with his grandchildren and encouraging them in their athletic, musical, and academic pursuits.
Jim was an active member of the Wells County Historical Society and a dedicated member of his church. At church he served as Sunday School superintendent, trustee, head usher and greeter for many years.
Jim was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed hunting for arrowheads, listening to Bluegrass, 60s music, traditional church hymns, playing golf, lifting weights, watching college basketball/football games, studying current events, and reading books on history. He and Marcia always planted and cared for a large and productive garden, giving away much of the harvest.
Jim is survived by his wife of 50 years, Marcia Hotopp; his son, Kevin (Lindsey) of Bloomington, Illinois; his daughter, Kelly (Mark) Thoreson of Bloomington, Indiana; and his grandchildren, Grace and Matthew Hotopp. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.
Funeral services will be held privately, with burial to follow at Six Mile Cemetery near Bluffton.
Memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to the Wells County Historical Society and Museum in care of the funeral home.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Online condolences may be shared at www.thomarich.com.