January 18, 1964 - January 27, 2025 Santa Ana, CA James R. Hoopes, 61, of Santa Ana, CA passed away at his home on Monday, January 27, 2025. Orange County Cremation Services is assisting with his final wishes.

There will be no services but aprivate burial at Greenwood Cemetery, in Muscatine, IA.

James was born January 18, 1964, in Muscatine, IA to David C. and Sandra Bendle Hendricks. His parents divorced and his mother remarried, James and his sister were adopted by their stepfather, David A. Hoopes.

He graduated from Muscatine High School in 1982 and moved to San Diego with his family following graduation.

He was a lifelong learner and loved studying history and political science. With each degree received, James distinguished himself as a Distinguished Scholar and Outstanding Student. He received the following degrees: an Associate of Arts in Social and Behavioral Science from MiraCosta College (2003), Oceanside; Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from California State University, Long Beach (2010) and Master of Arts in Political Science, with an emphasis in International Relations and Public Law from California State University, Long Beach (2013).

Professionally James worked as a computer operator, network engineer, and programmer/analyst for a variety of companies. His most recent employment was as a Senior Systems Engineer at Pacific Sunwear of California.

He was admired by his coworkers for his work ethic, problem solving abilities, generosity, and his sense of humor.

He was a devoted cat dad and supported several animal charities. James enjoyed playing guitar and piano.

Traveling abroad was another passion of his.

Those left to honor his memory are friends Paul Getz, Dana Boehler and Erik Marshall and his family, sister Marla Niffen (James) of Muscatine, IA; brother Dean Hoopes (Lorana) of Olympia, WA; nephews Andy Niffen, Fallbrook, CA; Nick Niffen, Tiffin, IA; Spenser Hoopes and Jackson Hoopes and niece Kayleigh Hoopes all of Olympia, WA along with several other aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; uncles and aunts and special cousins, Scott Bennett, and Scott Hoopes; and his beloved cat, Cleopatra.