He was born in 1923 to parents Frank and Lois Hood in Bossier City, LA. He graduated in 1941 from Fairpark High School in Shreveport where he was a trumpet player in Fairparks esteemed honor band and also a member of the bands performance comp. Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the army. He was a paratrooper in the 187th Parachute infantry and was stationed in the Philippines. He was part of the occupation forces of Japan after their surrender.
In 1946 he married Mary Elizabeth Riley and they moved to Carthage where they started a family and he began his career with Cities Service Oil Company. In 1968 he and his family transferred to Midland where he was an outstanding surplus equipment salesman and soon became recognized as an oilfield pioneer. After 38 years he retired; and in 1986 moved back to East Texas where he and his wife resided at Hideaway Lake. He was then able to pursue his favorite pass times-golf and fishing full time. Later in life he realized his love of nature and came to enjoy watching and feeding the various wildlife that wandered through his backyard. He was also known to spoil his two beloved cats. His daily walks through the neighborhood were a joy to him as well as those he befriended along the way.
Jimmie was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 67 years, Elizabeth; infant son, James Donald Hood; brother, Walter Hood; and sister, Virginia Thompson.
He is survived by his children, Cherry McAfee and husband Dennis, of Longview; son, David Hood, of Laguna Niguel, CA.; daughter, Susie Hood, of New Iberia, LA.; daughter, Sandie Hood and partner Charles Cooper, of Chandler; grandsons, Josh McAfee and wife Leslie, Grant McAfee and wife Genie, Zach Hood and Alex Hood; four great-grandchildren, Maddie, Jessie, Kason and Macey; one sister, Doris Goodson; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A special heartfelt thank you to caregivers Annette Patterson, Linda Schuck and Barbara Hill who so lovingly ministered to Jimmie in his final hours. Your gentle compassion and devotion will never be forgotten.
Private graveside services will be held at Tyler Memorial Park Cemetery on Saturday April 25, 2015 at 1:00 P.M. A digital guest book and tribute page may be viewed at diginitymemorial.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the local SPCA.
Tyler Memorial Funeral Home, Tyler, Texas is entrusted with the arrangements.
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