James Arthur Hooper

by family. Born in Los Angeles, CA, in 1935 to Willis Hooper and Edith Hooper Piot, Jim

was an only child. At an early age he exhibited a tremendous talent and interest in

music. He excelled at playing the tuba. After graduating from San Fernando High

School and attending college, Jim pursued his passion for music by entering the Navy

School of Music. He became a member of the Naval Academy Band in Annapolis,

Maryland. While there Jim met his wife,Joan, married, and was stationed in Annapolis

for the remainder of his naval career.

While in Annapolis, Jim continued to pursue spiritual truths and it was there he was led

to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Friends and fellowship were cultivated that lasted a

lifetime.

Jim retired from the Navy in 1976 as a Chief Petty Officer after serving his country for

22 years. He moved his family to Poway, California. For several years, Jim was a

machinist and enjoyed woodworking as a hobby. He liked friendly competition and

reveled in winning ping pong, tennis, badminton, and squash matches. Jim continued to

follow his passion for music and played his tuba in numerous venues including

Pomerado Community Band, brass ensembles, Emmanuel Faith Church Orchestra,

Dixieland bands, and was tuba section leader in the Coastal Communities Concert

Band for numerous years. He loved classical music with a nod to Tchaikovsky and of

course the marches of John Philip Sousa, “Stars and Stripes Forever!”

Jim and Joan were blessed with four children - Jennifer, Julie, Jonathon, and Jim Jr.

(Take note Jim and Joan liked names starting with J!) As “Dad” would often say when

answering the phone, “Grand Central Station!” The Hooper House was always filled

with antics and the six grandchildren - Anneliese, Daniel, Ariana, Rachel, Nicholas, and

Max, brought more escapades with love and laughter to Jim and Joan.

As a person, Jim was known for his kind gestures. He used his gift of helping others and

could find novel ways to fix broken items. He also would speak to broken people, and

share his story of God finding him in the midst of helplessness. Jim had a quiet and

reflective soul. He was humble in demeanor and extended kindness to those with

special needs.

Please find Jim’s obituary on www.miramarmemorialservices and share your thoughts

or memories with our family.

Contributions in Jim’s memory may be made via check to: Coastal Communities

Concert Band for the Caneva Scholarship Fund. Mail to: Lucy Zizka, CCCB 263 28th

Street Del Mar, CA 92014-2019