James Leroy Hock

James Leroy Hock, age 84, of Kalamazoo passed away August 26, 2022. He was born March 2, 1938 in Detroit to the late William and Mabel (Campbell) Hock.

Jim was a stand-out athlete with a stand-out personality. He was inducted into South Lyon High School's athletic Hall of Fame and played baseball at Western Michigan University, where he and his team were national runners-up two years in a row. After college, he was drafted by the Washington Senators (Minnesota Twins). Golf was another athletic passion in life-once competing in the Senior Olympics! Jim enjoyed golfing in leagues and tournaments, and especially treasured the many hours spent golfing with his son and two lifetime golf partners and good friends. His athleticism was passed down to his three children, whom he coached and trained in their many years in various sports. Family describes Jim as truly selfless-always placing the needs of others above his own. He will be remembered for his kindness, humor, and charisma, which helped create countless friendships and gave him the ability to joke around and make anyone smile. Family was especially important to Jim. He enjoyed spending summers at a very special family cottage in Grand Haven, spending time with them at the beach, watching the amazing sunsets, and watching storms come across the lake. Jim also spent many years caring for his beautiful wife, accomplishing his 2000-mile walking goal, in her honor, just before his own diagnosis.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, William Hock, Donald Hock, Robert Hock, and George Hock.

Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife of 61 years, Sharon (McLaughlin) Hock; children, Kimberly (Pat Curran) Adams, Steve (Melissa) Hock, and Kristen (Rick) Peebles; grandchildren, Chelsea (Chris) Carter, Tyler Adams, Zackary Peebles, Jesse Peebles, and Madolyn (Brad) Lanser; great-grandchildren, Joshua Adams, Kinsley Carter, and Henry Carter; as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will take place Friday, September 23, 2022 at 1:00pm at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S 9th St, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009, where a reception will immediately follow. Jim will be laid to rest at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park, South, with a private committal ceremony.

Contributions in Jim's memory may be made to Alamo Nursing Home or the Alzheimer's Association.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for Jim's family, visit https://www.langelands.com