Photo courtesy of Bill DeBerry Funeral Directors - Denton
Denton, Texas
Aug 27, 1928 – Apr 27, 2023
Jimmy Ray Hooten, 94 of Denton, passed away on April 27, 2023. He was born August 27th, 1928 in Roanoke Texas. He was born at home and years later when they needed to get his birth certificate, no one could remember what year he was born. Two neighbor ladies swore that he was born in 1928 but his oldest sister Novella always said that he was born in 1927. This is a mystery that will live through the ages.
JImmy served as a sergeant in the Korean War. After his return, Jimmy worked for LTV for many years. Later he owned and operated Crystal Rock Ice company in Denton and after selling his business to Reddy Ice he retired, but retirement did not last long. After he sold the ice plant Jimmy worked as a driver for SPAN and also worked part time at DeBerry Funeral Home. Jimmy then went to work at TWU and retired a second time from there. The man could not sit still until his age forced him to.
Jimmy was the last survivor of the charter members of the Denton Elks Lodge. Even though he stopped drinking over 40 years ago he still paid his dues and kept up with the happenings at the Lodge.
Jimmy married Alice, the love of his life in May 1969. They were a few months shy of their 50th wedding anniversary when Alice passed away in 2019. They had a long and very blessed marriage.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his wife Alice; a son, Michael Ray Hooten; a stepson, Chris McKenzie, daughters Jeanine Simmons and Paula Kay Whitfield. He is also preceded in death by his siblings JT Hooten, Novella Drake, Bobby Jean Reames and Faye Henderson. He is survived by daughters Julie Washam, Jenny Richards and Leslie Lee as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Monday, May 1 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. at DeBerry Funeral Home. A Rosary will be said from 5:30 to 6:00. Funeral mass will be Tuesday, May 2 at 11 AM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church followed by burial at Roselawn Memorial Park. There will be a luncheon following the services at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Denton.
The family would like to thank Dr. Jaspaul Bhangoo and his staff and Trio Hospice for their compassionate support during his brief illness.
Read MoreI lived next door to Hoot and Alice on Rockwood Lane in Denton. They were wonderful neighbors. After my husband and I divorced, I had trouble keeping the grass mowed. One day I came home from work to find Hoot and another neighbor mowing my lawn. A real gentleman.
Essie Sappenfield
May 05, 2023 | Nashville, TN | Neighbor
I remember going to the icehouse when I was 10 or 11. To me, it seemed like it was in the middle of the desert. He sat in a glass house that was his office where you could see out in every direction. Uncle Jiddy showed me his pistol he kept in his desk to shoot jackrabbits a million yards away or something. I also went into the icehouse in shorts and a mesh t-shirt. The fellas were in there making ice the old fashioned way, scooping it up with shovels and filling a bag that the other fella...
Johnny Longhurst
May 01, 2023 | Perry, KS | Family
When Julie and I were in high school, Jimmy a/k/a Hootie, scared the crap out of me. It was probably because he knew we were not exactly truthful about our plans for the evening. I loved that man! He fiercely loved his family - especially his children, grandchildren, and his wife Alice. He was a loving and giving man who would do anything in the world for anyone. He was the kind of dad, friend, and husband every man should aspire to be. Sending much love and prayers to all of Jimmy's family.
KAREN VOWELL SALES
May 01, 2023 | Lakehills, TX | Friend
I never met Mr.Hooten, but I have brown to know and appreciate him through his granddaughter,Beth Hooten. He had to be a fine man to have meant so much to Beth. My sincere condolences to his family on his loss.
Judy Humphrey
April 29, 2023 | Hawkins, TX | Friend
I will always have a very special place in my heart for my PawPaw. He was always there for me no matter what. He has now joined my other Guardian Angels, PaPaw, Nanny and Granny. I’m blessed to have grown up with him and will miss him so much. I love you and “I be good PawPaw”.
Casey Whiffin
April 29, 2023 | North Richland Hills, TX | Grandchild
JR was a wonderful man. Now he is with his beloved Alice.
Maria Lewis
April 29, 2023 | Denton, TX | Friend
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Bill DeBerry, Jr. & Andrew DeBerry
April 29, 2023 | Denton, TX
