James Hooker of Hartville, MO has gone home, leaving behind a circle of those who loved him.
What follows is written with love, by those who knew him best.
James spent his working life as ['utility line cleaner'] — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
There are losses that teach us the weight of a life.
James Robert Hooker, born on November 13, 1970, in Detroit, Michigan, to Donna Sue (Lawson) Hooker, took his heavenly flight May 2, 2026, at St. Louis University hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of 55 years.James was raised in a loving home by Bill and Donna Sue (Lawson) Pasley. He attended both Mansfield and Hartville school districts and graduated from Hartville high school in May of 1989.James and Barbara (Hall) Hooker were blessed with two beautiful daughters who James adored greatly. The grandsons stole his heart and were his pride and joy that he considered his true buddies.James was an avid outdoorsman and spent most of his career as a utility line cleaner. He was known as the best in his profession. He demanded safety and could scale those trees like a monkey. In his later years, as he felt too old to climb trees, he enjoyed jobs as a meat cutter working for his brother and a landscaper for Shull Landscaping.James enjoyed a good family barbecue, fishing, especially with his grandsons, camping trips and swimming in creeks. He loved to tell stories of his childhood experiences and shenanigans.He loved family fiercely and enjoyed reminiscing about all the great times. When James wasn't working, you can guarantee he was surrounded by his family and soaking in every moment.James was preceded in death by his dad, Bill Pasley, one grandson, Parker Reeser, and one brother, Michael Hooker.James is survived by his mom, Donna Sue Pasley of Mansfield, Missouri, two daughters, Sarah Leann Hooker of Mansfield, Missouri, and Kaitlyn Michelle Hooker (Skyler Mowers) of Mansfield, Missouri, three grandsons, Truan Hoffman, Colton Hooker, and Arthur Mowers, four brothers, Tony (Tina) Hooker of Hartville, Missouri, John (Miranda) Hooker of Mountain Grove, Missouri, Billy Pasley Jr. of Mansfield, Missouri, and TJ Pasley of Mansfield, Missouri, his best friends, Junior Kearns, Ray Hicks, and Johnny Bookout, and a host of other family and friends.James was a loving son, dad, papa, brother and friend. He will be lovingly remembered by a large host of family and cherished friends.Memorial contributions can be made to the family in care of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home by clicking the donate now button below. Donations can be dropped off in person at any Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home location, or by Mail: 315 N. Main St., Mountain Grove, Missouri, 6571
