James Hooker

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Jim Hooker

OXFORD — Jim Hooker, 59, of Oxford passed away Sunday, February 27, 2011. He was born April 23, 1951 in Warsaw, NY, the son of the late Howard Hooker and Virginia Hackett. He grew up in Melrose, MA and then East Oxford, where he learned his love of farming from the Wuori family, Erwin and Bud Cummings and the Smedburg family.

In high school he was known for his basketball talents, his music ability, his practical jokes, and the love of his life, Linda. After high school they started their family and in 1983 they bought “The Hooker Farm.” Here they raised three children, countless animals and bushels of corn, the best in the county. There was always plenty of hay, wagon rides, food and love. They had several children who came for the weekend and stayed for years. He will be remembered for his bands, Stormy and the Bel Airs.

Mr. Hooker loved nothing more than working the land with his John Deere tractors. He was often seen late in the evening chugging along on his John Deere with a full load of hay in the wagon along with various children and later, his grandchildren.

He also loved Oxford Hills sports. He loved it so much, he became their beloved bus driver. He loved all the students and was so proud of their athletic accomplishments.

Mr. Hooker is survived by his wife of 41 years, Linda; daughter, Bethany Shaw and husband Mark; his sons, Michael Hooker and wife Libby and Peter Hooker and fiancé Leah Crandall; his mother, Virginia Hackett; his brother, Jeffrey Hooker and wife Carolyn; his sister, Barbara Whittemore and husband Danny; his step siblings, Brenda Coleman, Jo-Ann Hutchinson and Barry Hackett; his beloved eight grandchildren, Dehlia Shaw, Cora Hooker, Sadie Hooker, Wyatt Hooker, Stella Shaw, Cyrus Hooker, Lucas Hooker and Holden Shaw; cousin, Gregory; his nieces, Lana and Kelly Whittemore and Ruth and Amanda Barton and nephews, Bruce Whittemore and Samuel Barton.

He was loved deeply and will be missed terribly.

Friends and family are invited to attend a short send off “Hooker” style on Saturday, March 5 at 11 a.m. at the Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School gymnasium, Rev. Don Mayberry officiating. A reception will follow at the school. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. Hooker's memory to Oxford Hills Music Boosters or Oxford Hills Athletic Boosters; send to Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, 256 Main St., South Paris, ME 04281. Arrangements under the care of Oxford Hills and Weston Funeral Services, 1037 Main St., Oxford, ME. On-line condolences may be expressed to the family at www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com.