James Hoopes

James Hoopes obituary, San Diego, CA

James Hoopes

James Hoopes Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 3, 2025.
James Murphy Hoopes passed away in San Diego, California on January 18, 2025. He was 38. Born in Washington D.C., Murphy (as he was known by all) graduated from JEB Stuart (now Justice) High School in Falls Church, Virginia. Soon after starting high school, he became a member of Food Not Bombs, a group that made weekly distributions of homemade vegan and vegetarian food to the hungry. This early generous spirit led to a lifetime of charitable and political endeavors focused on equality and social and environmental justice. Immersed in the punk rock community, Murphy was deeply passionate about music and the power of counter-culture and creative expression to influence societal change. He worked in music clubs and theaters and joined several country-wide tours as stage crew with the Warped Tour.

Murphy's activism was bolstered by his skepticism of political authority, a disdain for oppression by rulers, and joy for life. In his teens and early 20s Murphy was a collective member and regular volunteer at the Brian MacKenzie Infoshop, a bookstore and community center in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, D.C. He joined a vegan and social justice activist collective house in D.C., before moving to North Carolina for college. In 2013, Murphy helped start the independent media organization and watchdog known as Agency, a project that continues to this day. An avid writer and producer of podcasts and documentary films, he was a regular contributor to CrimethInc. as well as other media outlets and public education initiatives.

Murphy earned a bachelor's degree from UNC Chapel Hill in mathematics, with a minor in Latin American Studies. He became fluent in Spanish, spending two semesters abroad in Santiago, Chile. He sailed several times to Cuba and became an avid surfer. He made lasting friendships everywhere, traveling widely in South America, Europe, and the United States.

In 2024, Murphy earned his Juris Doctorate at the University of Arizona. Before, during, and after law school he devoted many hours to providing free legal services to immigrants and others through the Federal Public Defender in Tucson, the San Diego Public Defender Office, Civil Liberties Defense Center, and other organizations that provide and support access to equal justice and legal representation.

Murphy's boundless energy and consistent commitment to his vision of a better society in all aspects of his life was an example to all who knew him. Per his wishes, his organs and tissues have been donated to others. He is survived by his mother, stepfather, siblings and step-siblings, grandmother, and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Details for a celebration of his life will be forthcoming.

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March 21, 2025

Mayana McDavid posted to the memorial.

March 20, 2025

Linzi w posted to the memorial.

March 18, 2025

Shekida Smith-Sandy, Derry Sandy, and Lucy Sandy posted to the memorial.

18 Entries

Mayana McDavid

March 21, 2025

I feel lucky to have known Murphy and been his housemate, to have shared so many meals and conversations with him, and to have enjoyed dance parties on the roof of our house together. Even though it´s been many years since we´ve seen each other, I felt a profound sense of loss when hearing of his death. To all who knew and loved him, I send my deepest condolences.

Linzi w

March 20, 2025

Dearest Murphy, I can´t believe you´re gone. There are no words to describe the hole in the world left by your absence, you were truly one of a kind. I´ll think of you with every spread on my bread. Love you always, as I´m sure everyone who ever met you does too xxx

Shekida Smith-Sandy, Derry Sandy, and Lucy Sandy

March 18, 2025

Sending our deepest condolences to Murphy´s family and friends. His memories and impact will continue to live on through each of you.

R

February 26, 2025

I met Murphy when I was 14. I´ve looked up to him for a long time-for his spirit, his work, and most importantly, for his style. While we went long gaps without seeing each other, I have many fond memories: a hilarious stand up comedy set, a ska dance party, the several times I´ve run into him somewhere hundreds of miles from North Carolina, and so forth. He´ll be missed dearly. Here´s to Murphy, and all of his loved ones. <3

b a

February 16, 2025

Murphy was like a precocious younger sibling. He would always show up at just the right time to remind me that growing up is for squares and being serious about something doesn´t equal taking yourself seriously about that thing at all times. He was both friend and family to so many, all over the world. Rest easy.

E

February 13, 2025

Murphy stayed at my apartment anytime he came to town and he often came without warning and in great spirits. This welcome surprise always brightened whatever weekend he was in for and I still do a double take whenever I walk outside my door in case his van suddenly appears. We all were lucky to experience the way he chose to live his life and its a testament to that luck that there´s so much to remember fondly now that he is gone.

M

February 13, 2025

it was a joy to share the earth with Murphy, who brought spirit and adventure to all aspects of existence. my life is brighter and better for the brief windows of time we spent together, for the moments of significance when I looked up, and suddenly, he was there with me. his presence persists. Murphy is remembered, missed, celebrated across the world. all my love to the others who loved him.

M

February 13, 2025

it was a joy to share the earth with Murphy, who brought spirit and adventure to all aspects of existence. my life is better and brighter for the brief windows of time we spent together, for some moments of significance when I looked up and suddenly, he was there with me. his presence persists. Murphy is remembered, missed, celebrated across the world.

Lili

February 13, 2025

Murphy was so amazing and helped plan one of the coolest DIY haunted houses I've ever been to. His energy will be so missed.

Maurine

February 13, 2025

I am so privileged to have had Murphy in my life for the past 18 years. He was such generous friend. He was an example of bravery and kindness in the face of an often unkind world.
I will cherish many memories of my too short time being his friend and will share one here: We were out in downtown DC when we heard some ska being played at a distance. Murphy had us detour to go find the musicians, who were playing to a corporate event with very little audience excitement. Murphy brought the excitement (and obviously dancing) and probably made the night of these musicians and party goers. He, this will not shock anyone, also spent about 30 minutes talking about obscure ska and reggae with these performers.

Tariq K

February 13, 2025

I first met Murphy more than 20 years ago and have many fond memories of him over the years since. I´ll miss him. My condolences to everyone who cared about him.

Sparky

February 13, 2025

Murphy was an old and dear friend, and I will miss him terribly. He was kindhearted, passionate, brilliant, and hilarious. He would be so mad that I haven´t said anything about how punk he was yet; so he was also very very punk. In his memory may we all care as deeply, give as freely, and commit as lovingly to our friends and communities. My condolences to his family, and all who knew him.

Nathan

February 13, 2025

fists to the sky, falling backwards into the moshpit, singing every cheesy line of Strike Anywhere's To the World. A true believer.

A

February 13, 2025

You challenged me most and inspired me more. I have and will continue to think of you often and carry with me what I learned from you. And cut through this world like a knife, to its core, to its truth, like you did. Rest in power and in peace.

Bobbie F.

February 12, 2025

Murphy, you were always vibrant, always had a few plates spinning, always had plans for more. You were so creative, so focused. I'll miss your crazy projects and decisive, opinionated ramblings.

EKB

February 12, 2025

My beloved friend and comrade, I miss you so much! You are one of the most exceptional humans I have ever met. We miss you, we love and we honor you forever! My condolences

molly block

February 12, 2025

wearing a mesh shirt, cowboy hat, and low-cut jean cut-off shorts. Murphy endearingly read 17th century gothic poetry to a yard full of crusty weirdos, inspiring all of us to open our ears, our hearts, and our creativity to the vastness of connection. I will miss your eclectic reminders of exuberant life, dear Murphy.

Lesa Murphy

February 3, 2025

My condolences to Murphy´s family and friends. May you find comfort in your fond memories with him.

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results

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March 21, 2025

Mayana McDavid posted to the memorial.

March 20, 2025

Linzi w posted to the memorial.

March 18, 2025

Shekida Smith-Sandy, Derry Sandy, and Lucy Sandy posted to the memorial.