John Rivers Hope

John Rivers Hope, 85, of Charleston, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, February 1, 2026. A memorial service will be held Thursday February 12th at 2 pm at St. John’s Parish Church, 1811 Paulette Drive, Johns Island, SC 29455, with a reception following the service in the chapel. A private burial will be held at a future date. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel.

John was born November 7, 1940, son of the late Robert Meek Hope, MD and Eleanor Rivers Hope. John, “the Deacon”, a long time man of faith, was active through the years at St. John’s Episcopal Church and Grace Chapel and at St. John’s Parish Church.

John graduated from Christ School, attended Clemson University and was a proud Army veteran. His professional career culminated as a residential builder, with a focus on construction in the Sea Islands.

John was an outdoorsman, a child of the Lowcountry, sailing in Charleston Harbor and Sea Islands and fishing in the creeks and offshore, from Sullivan’s Island to Rockville. He also cherished his time spent in the Bahamas. He loved woodworking with a passion for carving small wooden crosses and walking sticks, as gifts for his friends. An avid storyteller, John found great joy sharing his adventures and knowledge with friends and family.

John deeply loved the Sea Islands and was active as an appointee to the Charleston Board of Adjustments and Wadmalaw Island Land Planning Committee. He was an original founding member of The Trident Fishing Tournament. John was a past member of the Sea Island Yacht Club, Charleston Yacht Club and Carolina Yacht Club.

His years were defined by his faith and his devotion to his friends, with special appreciation for his Sunrise Bistro and Kiss Cafe friends, and his devoted Hope family.

John is survived by his nieces, Hope Geer Colyer, Sarah Geer Lockett and Louisa Geer Walters, and their children. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Eleanor Hope Moore.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the MUSC Foundation, 18 Bee St, MSC 450, Charleston, SC 29450 (attn: Hope Family Endowed Scholarship OR Kidney Transplant Fund) or St. John’s Parish Church, PO Box 125, Johns Island, SC 29457.