Obituary of James R. Hook

A graveside service to honor the life of James “Jimmy” Richard Hook will be held at Woodridge Memorial Park on Wednesday, August 30 at 10:00 a.m. James Richard Hook, 75, of Gilbert, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 20, 2023. Jimmy was the son of the late Loyce Richard Hook and Mary Smith Hook of Leesville, SC. He is survived by his wife, Diane; son, Bryan Kelly of Aiken; daughters, Tanya Derrick (Todd) and Tammy Long (Matthew) all of Leesville; grandchildren, Bryson and Paige Kelly, Hannah and Luke Derrick, and Kane and Hunter Long; sisters, Donna Stewart, Bonnie Meetze (Donnie), Adlyne Day (Butch), and Lynn Clamp; brothers, Bobby Hook (Marlette), Russell Hook (Sarah); and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by sisters, Carolyn Cole, Gloria Nausley, Brenda Davis and a brother, Tony Hook.

Jimmy proudly served his country on active duty as a Rifleman with the Marine Corps from May 1968 through November 1969, obtaining the rank of Corporal while performing the duty of a Squad Leader which normally was performed by a Staff Sergeant.  While on active duty he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/1 bronze star, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/device, Combat Action Ribbon and Rifle Marksmanship Badge.  Jimmy later joined the South Carolina Army National Guard (SCARNG) and was a proud member of Co D 122d Engineer Battalion (Cbt) obtaining the rank of Staff Sergeant as a Combat Engineer.  While serving in the SCARNG he received numerous awards for his outstanding dedication to his duty along with his unit receiving numerous awards.  Jimmy also served his State when the unit was called out to State Active Duty on many occasions.  While performing State Active Duty for Hurricane Hugo in September 1989, Jimmy almost gave his life while performing right of way clearing operations. If it wasn’t for him being a strong man he wouldn’t have survived the accident.  Jimmy’s combined service to his country was 25 years. 

Jimmy was an avid outdoorsman who loved to teach others how to hunt and fish. He always enjoyed spending time with his hunting and fishing buddies.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to the Lexington Medical Center Foundation to the Linda’s Love Fund https://www.lexmed.com/giving/donate/ or Leashes of Valor  https://leashesofvalor.org/donate/ .

Our family would also like to thank everyone for the visits and kind words during this difficult time.

*A brief visitation with the family will be held after the service, at the graveside. *