James left this earth on the afternoon of June 5, 2020 after a courageous battle with pneumonia and eventually heart failure. James was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at Saint Anthony’s Hospital to Bradford and Sybil Hood. James was the eldest son raised by a widowed mother. James was a member of St. Eugene’s Catholic Church, where he attended 1st through 8th grade and graduated from John Marshall High school in 1972. He attended the University of Oklahoma where his proudest moments were on the football sidelines as a member of the “OU Ruf-Neks” Cheer Squad. He was married to Donita Hood of the home.
James was a skilled tradesman having been trained in welding, heating and refrigeration. He worked as a Rough Neck in the oil fields of Oklahoma for many years after he left the University of Oklahoma. His various other jobs included a delivery truck driver for Pepsi Cola, Miller Beer and Reel-O-Matic. He retired from Oklahoma County where he worked in maintenance at the Oklahoma County Court House. In retirement, he continued to work at different maintenance jobs, until becoming ill with pneumonia in February of 2020.
James was an avid reader and had a great sense of humor and loved to pass the “Pun” just to make others laugh. James enjoyed camping, fishing and canoe trips down the Illinois River in Eastern Oklahoma. We’re not sure if he ever caught any fish, but he could tell a good fish tale! He was famous for his woodworking skills and liked making wooden trays, cutting boards, tables and other household items for his friends and family.
James and his wife Donita liked to go to the movies and explore different restaurants in Oklahoma. James loved to cook and barbeque. He was a people person and if you ever needed anything fixed he would run to your rescue. His car was always filled with tools just in case somebody needed something repaired he would be ready. He was affectionately known as “Jimbo” as a child but it was always James who you would call if you needed anything.
James is preceded in death by his parents Bradford and Sibyl, his first wife Debbie, step-brother Donald and brother Thomas. He is survived by his wife Donita, his sister Julie and husband Steve Anneler, sister Dolores (Dollie) Hood, brother, Robert and wife Darla Hood. Nieces Michelle and Melody, Nephews Brad and Jacob, and many cousins and friends.
