To the family and fellow friends of our beloved Jack Hopper ... I join with you in mourning Jack's passing. I shall never forget almost twenty years of friendship with this good man. He was a generous man, of good humor, and of a caring spirit. He was a foundation or rock for so many -- someone you could count on to be candid with no pretense and no ulterior motive. He could be an encourager as well. He loved JSU, his family, and friends. We who were privileged to know him will always treasure our memories of Jack. Just about everytime I've thought of Jack over the years, I have smiled. Jack could lift your spirits just by being around him. Some of us were privileged to break bread with him again recently, and it was a great thing to see Jack smile and joke and enjoy being around his sons and friends for that occasion. To his family, I pray God's blessings, healing, and comfort will strengthen you. To his fellow friends, may we find a moment to offer words of thanksgiving that we could count such a good man as our friend. Even though he was ill, Jack came to my father's funeral this spring. There were two prayers that day that I am listing here, hoping that all of us who mourn may find comfort in them: "Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant Jack. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive him into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen." and "O God of grace and glory, we remember before you this day our brother Jack. We thank you for giving him to us, his family and friends, to know and to love as a companion on our earthly pilgrimage. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us faith to see in death the gate of eternal life, so that in quiet confidence we may continue our course on earth, until, by your call, we are reunited with those who have gone before; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."