James McNeill "Mack" Van Hook

1928 - 2022

Mack Van Hook, 94 years old, of Charlottesville, Virginia died on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at a local nursing facility.

Born June 4, 1928 in Asheville, North Carolina, Mack was the son of the late Joseph O. Van Hook and Cary S. Van Hook. He was preceded in death by his two stepbrothers, Cloyd and Bob Van Hook, and two grandchildren Loren and Michael Smith.

Mack’s boyhood home was in South Hill, Virginia. He always spoke fondly of his time there, and in his final days talked of returning to his home. Mack graduated from Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in 1949 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering and was immediately commissioned in the U.S. Army. His military service took him across the globe with tours of duty in Germany, Thailand, Vietnam and multiple stations in the U.S. Mack’s assignments included Troop Command and Squadron Staff Service in Germany during the early years of the cold war, Assistant Professor of Military Science at St. Lawrence University, a mission to the Florida Keys during the Cuban Missile Crisis, Military Operations Instructor at the Judge Advocate Generals School at The University of Virginia, Liaison Officer to the First Corps of the German Army, Commander of the 5th Basic Combat Training Battalion in Fort Polk Louisiana, and Commander of the Combat Assistance Team with the 10th Infantry Regiment of the South Vietnamese Army.

Mack met the love of his life, Inge, on his first assignment in Germany and their adventures together continued for 70 years (celebrated just last month). After many moves all around the world, Mack and Inge returned to Charlottesville in 1988 to be with their growing extended family, reunite with old friends, make new ones and enjoy the beauty of Virginia.

Mack is survived by his beloved wife, Inge, his four girls and their husbands, Ginny and Charlie Smith, Tricia Van Hook, Susan and George Forschler, and Jackie Corcoran; his five grandchildren, Chas, Neil, Sophia, Tyler, and Hannah; and his four great-grandchildren. Mack’s family circle also included ten wonderful sister and brothers-in-law in Germany, many dear nieces and cousins and a host of VMI Brother Rats.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, August 18, 2022 at 11 a.m. at Monticello Memory Gardens, 670 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, officiated by Lynne Taylor Clements, Associate Pastor for Westminster Presbyterian Church. A reception will be held at 12:30 p.m. at University Village, 500 Crestwood Dr, in the 6th floor atrium.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hillandwood.com.