James Hooker Obituary
He was born on January 30, 1938, in Pine Village, Indiana, to Merle and Hilda (Hughes) Hooker. Jim married Sue Layne on July 9, 1994, in Peoria.
Surviving are his wife, Sue Hooker; children, Ellen (Doug) Henderson, Kent Hooker, Todd (Amie) Hooker and Stephanie (Eric) Geerts; grandchildren, Ryan (Rachel), Brandon (Sarah), Marissa (Cole), JT (Ashley), Kiley, Chloe, Aubrey and Taylor; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Lynette (Ken) Gwinn; sister-in-law, Sheila Hooker and brother-in-law, Bill Woods.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Gordon Hooker and sister, Doris Woods.
Jim graduated from Purdue University with a degree in engineering. He then went on to attain two master's degrees from Bradley University. Upon graduation from college, Jim began his 40-year career at Caterpillar, retiring as an engineering manager.
He was a member of Central Illinois Woodworking Club, Stock Club, Sun City West Woodworking Club and OLLI.
Jim enjoyed playing golf with the over the hill gang in Arizona, being a scuba instructor, a pilot of his plane and wintering in Arizona. If you were around him, then you were blessed by his dry and witty sense of humor and know he will be so missed.
Cremation rites have been accorded. There will be a celebration of life held Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Knights of Columbus in Morton.
Memorials may be made to The Parkinson's Foundation or Angel Medical Flights.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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140 S. Detroit Ave., Morton, IL 61550
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