Jackie Hopkins

Jackie was born, June 9,1957, to Jesse Mae and Cephus Carruthers, in Clinton, Ok. and passed away, March 5th in Amarillo, Texas.
Jackie was a graduate of the class of 1976, in Altus, OK. Upon completion of High School, he enlisted in the military. He served in the US Army.

Jackie was a handy man and enjoyed spending time with his family. There was never a dull moment with him. He was a huge Dallas Cowboys fan. You couldn’t tell him the Cowboys were not going to win the Superbowl.

He was a long-time employee of the American Best Westen Hotel. Around the hotel they knew him as the “Whistler”. He was a hardworking man and really enjoyed his job.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Patsy and Steen: five Brothers, Charles, Harold Dean, Freddy and Billy Ray Carruthers and Willie Jackson.

 He is survived by two sisters, Mollie Ann Carruthers of Amarillo, Texas; and Loretta Veal of Altus, Oklahoma; one brother, Phillip Carruthers of Los Vegas, Nevada; and several nieces, nephews, family, and friends. Although Jackie never had any children of his own, he helped Raise all of his nieces and nephews. He was a father figure to his nieces and nephews.

                                                      JACK HOPKINS - AKA "THE WHISTLER"

Jack Hopkins was more than just a name at the Americas Best Value Inn on Grand Street. For eleven years—2012 to 2023—he wasn’t just an employee; he was a part of the heartbeat of that place. He was there every single day, rain or shine, illness or health. He rarely took a day off, and when he did, it felt like something was missing. Every morning, he'd show up early, settling in with the night audit, exchanging stories, catching up on gossip, sipping his coffee like it was the start of something beautiful. That was his ritual, his peace before the storm of the day.

Once the clock started, Jack would get to work, and then... the whistling began. It was soft at first, but it didn’t take long before every guest who passed through that hotel would recognize that sweet, constant sound—his signature. It was more than just a tune; it was the sound of a man who found joy in the little things, even in the routine.

Jack loved his Cowboys and Western Movies. He was the kind of fan who could talk for hours about the games, about what they needed to do—“Fire Jerry!” he’d always laugh, a twinkle in his eye, knowing he was a part of something bigger. But even more than football, Jack was a lover of life. He would share stories about his youth, the Motown music that made his soul dance, the way he could move to a rhythm only he could hear. He was a ladies' man, and not just because of his charm—he was a talker, a listener, someone who made you feel like you were the most important person in the room.

At the hotel, Jack always went out of his way to help those who needed it most. It wasn't just about doing his job—it was about doing what was right. I’ll never forget how he’d ask the head housekeeper if there were any clothes or shoes for someone in need. He cared. He always cared.

For years, Jack walked that long stretch from Amarillo Boulevard to Grand Street, every day, no matter the weather. It was a journey he took with quiet determination. But then, when we could, we gave him a bike that had been left behind at work. It was small, but it made a difference. And still, Jack would leave right on time every evening, whistling his way off the property, like the world was a little lighter because of him.

Jack... we couldn’t give you all the candy you craved or take you to the places you dreamed of seeing—Las Vegas, Oklahoma. But I hope, in heaven, you’re sitting next to God now, and finally, you’re getting all the things you wished for.

You were more than a coworker, Jack. You were a friend. You were the one I could share my stories with, and you’d listen—truly listen. You always cared. You will be missed more than words can express.

We love you, Jack. And though you may be gone, your whistling will live on in our hearts. God bless you. Thank you for everything. Al Patel and your Americas Best Value Inn Family

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