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The bill was passed and, along with appropriations drafted by Hopkins, allowed the creation of the [[University of West Florida]]. During his time in office, the ''St. Petersburg Times'' recognized Hopkins has one of the state's top 10 lawmakers.
Upset by the [[Pensacola Country Club]]'s policy at the time not to accept Jewish members, Hopkins founded the [[Scenic Hills Country Club]] on [[Nine Mile Road]] in [[1958]]. It was the first area country club to be open to minorities.
At the end of his military and political careers, he and his brother [[E. W. Hopkins, Jr.]] enrolled at the University of Florida, where they were in the same fraternity. J. B. graduated in 1961 and earned his juris doctorate from the school in 1967 — the same year [[UWF]] opened its doors. He returned to Pensacola, entering private practice and helping to found the [[Hadji Shrine Temple]]. He served as the group's first potentate, in 1967 and 1968.<ref>"Shriners celebrate 80th anniversary." ''Pensacola News Journal'', April 25, 2002.</ref>
Hopkins was heavily involved in the community and served with over 65 non-profit organizations, including the [[Escambia County Mental Health Association]], the [[Pensacola Historical Society]] and the Florida Chamber of Commerce.