JAKE JAMES HOPPS "Sakowentetha" Turtle Clan

AKWESASNE – Jake James "Sak" Hopps, 71, of Island Road, passed away Wednesday afternoon, March 20, 2019 at Cornwall Community Hospital after a brief illness.

Jake was born February 18, 1948 on Kawehnoke, the son of the late Phillip and Bertha (White) Hopps. He attended schools on Kawehnoke before going to school in Cornwall. He entered the US Marine Corps on June 5, 1969, serving his country during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged as a Lance Corporal on November 17, 1970. He married his companion of over 40 years, Donna Francis on January 19, 2001 at St. Regis Catholic Church with Rev. George Belgarde, SJ officiating. She predeceased him on July 11, 2015.

Jake was a bridge painter for Local 401 and worked in both Akwesasne and Rochester. For most of his working career he was a carpenter and electrician for Mohawk Council of Akwesasne. He was a member of the Andrew W. Cook American Legion Post 1479 and the Marine Corp League Detachment #566. He enjoyed woodworking, fixing things and could often be found tinkering on projects in his "Man Cave." As a young man, he was a goalie for the Thunderbirds lacrosse team.

Jake is survived by his sons, Jamie and Natalie Francis of Cornwall and Roland Francis of Kawehnoke; his grandchildren, Daylon, Montana, Jaylee, Kyler, Destiny, Ocean, and Ashton; a great granddaughter, Thea Donna Rose; his stepdaughter, Crystal Francis; his sisters, Mary and Jerry Cook of Akwesasne; and Rebecca White of Kawehnoke; many nieces, nephews, cousins; and a special friend, Anna Reynolds.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his brother, David Hopps on November 30, 2014 and a foster brother, Frank Square on September 3, 1988.

Friends called on Monday at the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena where funeral services were held on Tuesday with Rev. Jerome Pastores officiating.

Memories and condolences may be shared online at http://www.donaldsonfh.com.