Obituary of James Hook

WEST COLUMBIA: James Buren "Jimmy" Hook passed away peacefully in the early hours of Friday morning, September 14, 2012, after bravely fighting numerous health issues for almost two years. Born on February 14, 1927, in West Columbia, Jimmy was the only son of Idella and V.B. Hook (Bill). He was predeceased in death by his wife, Willeen, whom he loved with all of his heart. Mr. Hook is survived by his beloved son, Marty Hook (Julia), his treasured daughter, Sherri Hook Liles (Tom) as well as six grandchildren, Michael Hook (Jennisse), Jennifer Latham (John), Kacey Mattox (David), James Liles, Van Hook and Savanna Liles; also five great grandchildren, Riley and Liles Mattox, Jack and Katie Latham, Joseph, Bella and Weston Hook; also two cherished sisters, Addie-Jo Thomas (Johnny) and Elnora Gantt as well as dozens of adored nieces and nephews. Jimmy was the president of V.B. Hook, Inc., a wholesale produce company at the S.C. State Farmer's Market serving the southeast. During WWII, he served in Kobe, Japan during the Occupation after Japan surrendered. He was a lifetime member of Brookland Methodist Church and served on countless committees and in several different posts of leadership. He sat on the board of West Columbia Zoning Committee, and a member of the Rotary Club; he was a firm believer in doing his civic duty and giving back to the community. Jimmy Hook was honest, if someone ever tried to get less than perfect produce past him, they soon knew it couldn't be done. His company, started by his father in the late 1920's, was and is known for its ethical dealings and quality produce. In his private life, Jimmy was a devoted husband, father, uncle, brother-in-law and friend. He loved life, loved having a good time and a good laugh. His wife was his first love that he told friends he was going to marry the first day he met her. They were a couple that showed their family and children the meaning of true love and remained in that love for 63 years until her death in 2011. He was a man of strong principles and endless kindness. Jimmy never passed up a chance to help someone in need and was a devoted Christian that, while never actually discussing his faith, he lived it out in his daily life. His passing creates a huge void in the lives of his family and friends, but while they will mourn his death, they know that they were truly blessed to have him in their lives. The family will be receiving friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Saturday, September 15, 2012, at Thompson Funeral Home of West Columbia. The funeral service will be held at Brookland United Methodist Church at 1 p.m. Sunday, September 16, 2012, officiated by Pastor J. Wayne Smith, Jr. Serving as pallbearers will be Timmy Thomas, Rocky Thomas, Don Hill, Wally Gantt, Kenneth Senn and Todd Gates. Honorary Pallbearers are the Couples for Christ Sunday School Class and his lifelong friends, Mickey Gates and Joe Camratta. Interment will follow at Celestial Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to Brookland United Methodist Church, 541 Meeting Street, West Columbia, 29169. The family wishes to thank Darrell Maxwell for his recent tender care of Jimmy and a very special thanks to the two women, Callie Watts and Shirley Vasquez, who have been acting as caregivers to both Willeen and Jimmy for several years. They are truly angels of mercy and the entire family thanks them from the bottom of their collective hearts.