James Hooper Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

James Wesley Hooper was born on Monday, January 25, 1937 in Kansas City, Kansas to Albert Franklin and Hazel Elizabeth (Peace) Hooper. He passed from this life to his heavenly eternal home Tuesday, February 23, 2021 in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 84. Jim was one of six children born to Albert and Hazel. His most cherished childhood memories were lived between Wichita and Salina; but spent his senior year in Lee’s Summit, Missouri graduating from Ruskin High School in 1955. Following high school, Jim and his brother Kenny, also life-long best friend, joined the U.S. Army and were stationed together at Camp Casey, 31st Infantry, 7th Division, 38th Parallel of the Korean War. Jim returned home with an honorable discharge. Soon thereafter, he witnessed the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen stepping off of a bus. “Who is that?”, he asked his Aunt Billie? “Oh, Jim. She is out of your league.” “I’m going to marry that woman.” Pursuant by his love at first sight, they married January 3, 1959 in Kansas City, Missouri. Through 62 years of marriage, he endlessly honored Pat; not only on the usual special occasions, but also on every and any occasion of his choosing. He showered her with roses, gold, diamonds, precious stones and beautiful cards filled with his hand-written heartfelt words. Pat was truly the crowning jewel of his life. Their love was blessed with three children: Terry, Tammy and Scott. Jim was a devout family man priding himself through hard work, and meeting his family’s every need. His job required him to travel. Pat and the kids missed him while he was away. He would tell the story of when he would come home and Tammy would be at the top of the stairs when he walked in saying “Miss you, come home.” He was loved and cherished by his children. For 43 years he proudly represented Flint Ink, Incorporated selling commercial-grade professional printing ink. A life-long Kansas City Chiefs fan, he was the professional who sold the team its first high-grade material to mark the field. Jim had a love for the printed book. He would pick one up, smell the ink on the pages and feel the weight of the pages in his fingers. Jim’s life was especially marked by his inviting personal love for all people. He knew no strangers making friends anywhere he went. A leader among renaissance men, anything he put his hand too, he excelled. Jim was private pilot, professional golfer, basketball player, bowler, tap dancer, gymnast, water & slalom skier, and even a hockey player. Jim found release and relaxation in motorcycle riding. He found calming pleasure in stopping at random diners and enjoying a Coke. Jim adored animals. His most beloved companions were his dogs, Polly and Pupper. They ate everything he ate, and he talked with them like they were human. He was a family man. Jim adored his 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. They have such fond memories of time spent with him. One year, he surprised two granddaughters with a trip to Hawaii. Other fond memories include shopping, driving the golf cart while he golfed, pushing them on the swing on his back porch, playing Play Doh with them and even riding scooters around Bella Rose racing through the hallways. They all know he’s probably up there now with a big smile on his face saying, “Hey kiddo!” But most of all, Jim was a man after God’s own heart. He loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and served Him faithfully many years at Grace Fellowship Church as head usher. He was always dressed impeccably and Sunday was no exception. Sometimes you might even see him with a Mickey Mouse or Looney Tunes tie. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital OR Fundamental Learning Center: Providing Clarity and Hope for Kids with Dyslexia - is a place of help and a private school for children with dyslexia. Jim is survived by: His wife, Pat of Tulsa. Daughters, Terry Lynn Hooper-Gillham (Terry Lynn) of Bebee, Arkansas & Tammy Lynn Spaulding (Garrett) of Broken Arrow. Brothers, Kenny Hooper (Sharon) of Houston, Texas; Rick Hooper (Marsha) of Butler, Missouri; Tom Hooper (Sheri) of Overland Park, Kansas; Sister, Kathy Shores (Larry) of Leander, Texas. 7 Grandchildren: Amber Haverfield; Crystal Chadwick (Nathan); James Matthews; Brittany Robinson (Justin); Michael Spaulding (Janet); Patrick Spaulding and Anna Wagner. 9 Great Grandchildren: Kaley Carr, Elizabeth Matthews, Reese Chadwick, Elizabeth Robinson, Whitney Chatwell, Audrey Chatwell, Savannah Robinson, Jack Robinson and Asher Chadwick. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Hazel Hooper; a sister, Sharon French; and a son, James “Scott” Hooper.

Tributes

James Hooper

January 25, 1937 - February 23, 2021