Dr. James J. Hoffman

Dr. James J. Hoffman, D.M.D., 81, of The Villages, Fla., and formerly of Erie, died on Tuesday, June 20, 2017, at Oakhurst Center, Ocala, Fla., following a short illness. Jim was born in Erie on April 2, 1936, a son of the late Joseph J. and Ann Loftus Hoffman.

He graduated from Cathedral Prep in the class of 1954 where he was an undefeated Erie City wrestling champion. He then entered the US Navy at the conclusion of the Korean War serving from 1955 to 1958. His service included the Suez Canal crisis. Following a pre-dental curriculum at Gannon College (now Gannon University), Jim transferred to and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh Dental School in 1964. Following graduation, he returned to the US Navy and served from 1964 to 1966 as a LT in the Medical Corp attached to the US Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.

Dr. Hoffman began his private dental practice in Erie in 1966, sharing office space with Dr. Herald Green. He retired from practice in 2005 while sharing his office with Dr. Michael Machuga. After moving to The Villages, he worked at the Villages Fitness Center instructing people on the importance of healthy living and the benefits of an active exercise program. While in Erie, Jim was a member of the Kahkwa Club, Erie Club, Aviation Club and Erie Maennerchor Club. His professional affiliations were the Erie County Dental Society, Pennsylvania Dental Association, American Dental Association and a Master in the American Academy of General Dentistry. When his sons were in school, Jim was a member of Our Lady of Peace Church and later attended St. Jude's Church.

Jim was very active in sports. He enjoyed playing golf, tennis, pickle ball, handball and squash. He was an ardent Notre Dame University football fan and a Marquette University basketball fan. His favorite activity was visiting and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Carl Hoffman.

Jim is survived by his wife of 54 years, Kathryn A. (Kathy) Cook Hoffman. They were married on August 11, 1962, at St. John's Church in Erie. He is further survived by three sons: J. Sean Hoffman and his wife Sharalyn of Arlington, Va., Dr. Errin J. Hoffman and his wife Melissa of Allentown, Pa., and David J. Hoffman and his wife Amy of Chicago, Ill.; a sister, JoAnne Eckendorf and her husband George of Erie, a brother John Hoffman and his wife Kathy of Erie and a sister-in-law Ruth Hoffman of Erie. Jim is further survived by seven grandchildren, Maddie, Ryan, Gunnar and Liam Hoffman, all of Allentown, Zachary and Payton Hoffman, both of Arlington, Va., and Katherine Hoffman of Chicago.

Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home, 4216 Sterrettania Road, Erie, on Wednesday, June 28, 2017, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Peace Church, 2401 West 38th Street on Thursday, June 29, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Private burial for the family will be held at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

The C.S. Warthman Funeral Home Inc., 69 North Main Street, Union City, is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Hoffman's name may be made to Cathedral Preparatory School, 225 West 9th Street, Erie, PA 16501.

Sign the Guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits.