Jack Frederick Hooper

Jack Frederick Hooper passed away June 6, 2013 at the age of 76. Jack was born in Berkeley on December 2, 1936, to R. Earl and Anna (Jorgensen) Hooper. He graduated from Berkeley High and the University of California, earning a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics in 1966. He and his wife Mona moved to Merced in 1980 to run Red Rock Farms, on east Hwy 140. They eventually made Merced their home and invested in the community by saving and restoring the historic C. Ray Robinson house on Bear Creek Drive.

Jack married the love of his life, Mona Briand Hooper, on October 18, 1958. They had three daughters: Rose-Anne, De-Anne and Cari-Anne. He was blessed to travel to many parts of the world and often took his family with him to experience new adventures and broaden their awareness of other cultures.

Living an industrious and fulfilling life, he accomplished many self-directed goals. He taught Agricultural Economics at Utah State University at Logan. Then, he became an economic consultant for the global investment firm, Oppenheimer Industries, and served as Vice-President of World Airways. As a consultant, he traveled the world over, but his heart was in agriculture and he returned to the Central Valley in 1977. At Red Rock, he spent 7 years managing the 4,000 acres of farmland. Later, Jack and Mona designed, constructed, and managed portable grading stations serving the needs of tomato growers and packers all over California. They also spent their winters in the Westmorland area operating a weigh station for carrots, potatoes and onions. Jack owned and operated this station for 22 years. Jack and Mona were named Outstanding Individuals in Agriculture in 2001 by the Merced County Farm Bureau.

In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Jack was elected to five terms on the Merced Irrigation District Board from 1989 to 2009 where he co-initiated discussions which launched the Retail Electric System. He served as President from 1996 to 2005. His dedication and support of irrigation conservation efforts and his business acumen led to financial solvency and stability for the District. The agency honored him with a resolution for his innovative mind, noteworthy contributions, support for the farmers, and dedication to serving the community.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, his parents, and daughter Cari-Anne. He is survived by a brother, Dan Hooper, of Sacramento and his four children Denise, Deidra, Dan and Anna and their children; daughter Rose-Anne Gross (Harvey) of New Jersey, her three children Nicolette, Andréa, and Cristián Barajas; son-in-law Larry McClung, and his two children Ian and Logan McClung of Colorado; daughter De-Anne Hooper of California; cousins Wade Bingham and his wife Chris and their children Teri, Brian and Brenda; Margaret and Gus Talbot; Jim and Diane Jorgensen; Janice Jorgensen; and Joanne and Peter Mills and their children Erin, Kelly, and Colin.

He is buried in Hills Ferry Cemetery in Newman next to four generations of family. In memory of Jack, please send donations to the Gustine Historical Society, 323 6th St., Gustine, CA 95322.